> They would be more suitable for a beginner as-modified with a 24" or
> 25" beam. I've paddled the standard Guillemot--it's not really all
> that unstable (I've only been paddling seriously for a year). If you're
> serious about being a kayaker, you really don't want a
> "beginner" boat--a more "intermediate" design will
> serve you well, as you'll grow into it, and your paddling skills will
> develop more quickly. Note that I use the terms beginner and intermediate
> loosely--everyone has a different definition of what boat fits what class
> of paddler.

> Basically what I'm saying is that you can go out and build a really wide
> boat that is very wide and stable on flat water. You won't learn a great
> deal of paddling skills in a boat like that. If you get a bit longer
> (faster), narrower boat, you will begin to develop good reflexive bracing
> and paddling skills and you will grow into the boat. This is usually not a
> long process--if you're not talking about any extreme designs (less than
> 21" beam) the learning curve is pretty flat--you might feel a tad
> uncomfortable your first 2 or 3 times out, but after that, you'll be used
> to the boat and actually be ready to take on bigger water than if you were
> paddling a big 26 or 28" wide boat.

> One reason width plays such a big role in boat stability (beyond the
> obvious--wider is "more stable") is that a wide boat is stable
> on flat water, but in waves, the boat "tries" to stay parallel
> with the water's surface, hence tilting the boat. A narrower boat will
> feel less stable in flat water, but actually be more stable in rougher
> water, because it "tries" to tip less in waves.

> If you like the Ex Single or Night Heron better, then build one of them.
> Part of paddling is psychological. If you love your boat, you'll feel more
> comfortable in it than if you wished you had a different boat. I know this
> firsthand, becasue I'm "falling out of love" with my Chesapeake
> 17 and lusting after a Guillemot or Expedition single.

> No, your skills may not be immediately up to it, but building a wider boat
> that will fit your body size will make those designs a bit more
> accessible, paddling skill-wise.

> It takes as much skill as you're willing to put into learning. If you
> paddle pretty seriously for a year, you can become a pretty darn good
> "intermediate" paddler. Read Robert Woodard's (Woody's) trip
> reports. This spring, he could barely step out of his boat without falling
> in the water. Now, he has a reliable Pawlata roll, and is working on a
> screw roll. Just like riding a bike. If all you do is ride to the mall
> once a month, you'll only have very basic skills. If you get out and ride
> 1 or 2 or 3 times per week, you can really get a good feel for what you
> and your bike are capable of.

> Balance does play a big part too. So does simply being relaxed and loose.

> I have links to a couple other strip designers on my kayak page--see link
> below.

> Diet if you just want to lose weight. Build a bigger boat if you're
> worried about having a boat that fits. Don't diet to fit into the boat or
> you'll see the boat as part of your diet--the boat part should be 100%
> fun!

> Start building now, and find a local pool that has "pool
> practice" for whitewater kayakers. Go every week or every other week
> and just play in the little whitewater boats. You might even learn to roll
> before your new boat is done. Don't wait until your own boat is done to
> start paddling--you'll have a much better time in Morro Bay if you're
> conditioned to paddle.

> Besides, if you're the "expert paddler" in the group, it will
> make it that much easier to sell a couple more boats!!

> Shawn

Hey Shawn ! I checked out your site and boat construction. Real good. And yeah, I like them strippers well built too. Well, I would if I weren't a good Christian. I can only like well built......women. O.K. boats too. LOL You and Paul have pretty much convinced me to go for the pointy boats. I already wrote Nick and questioned him on the benefits or loss of same with the widened hull. I doubt I could get into either one, as is, but a couple of inches here and a couple there and I may just be able to do it. Oh, in case it makes a difference, I'm 50 and getting a little stiff in the joints, so, how easy is it to get out of one of them, and if difficult, could the cockpit be opened up just a tad to accommodate?? When you spoke of practice pools, did you mean a swimming pool or something bigger?? The fella in our group that has the kayak, also has a pool and would let me practice in it with his "Store Bought". And I noticed the little ???pic of the guy doing the Eskimo Roll. What about learning that stuff? Is there a site where I could see it and get ideas how to do it? This is getting more interesting all the time. Thanks again for all the help and advise. I can't wait till I finish the canoe and get to start on the kayak. When I figure out which one I want. {:o)

Catch Ya Later, Rehd