: Hello,
: I was wondering if anyone has an explaintation for the mouth shape in the
: hull of the baidarda. I have heard it is a subtle speed benefit, but could
: it be for ice breaking?

Scott,

I doubt if ice breaking was the reason. It is my understanding that many of the historical samples of "open jawed" baidarkas had a line of sinew tied across the upper and lower jaws, apparently to prevent flotsam from catching in the "mouth". I have also read that the Aleuts generally had ice-free paddling conditions. Ice can easily cut the skin of kayaks, one reason that Greenland kayaks often have bone protection on the keel and chines.

There are a number of possible explanations for the mouth, from creating a concave bow section (difficult to do with skin-on-frame), to emulating the mouth of a salmon, etc. You can find more information on the archives of the baidarka list at http://rtpnet.org/robroy/baidarka/. Regarding ice damage to paddles, the Greenlanders also use bone edging and bone tips to prevent this. Epoxy, UHMW plastic, or hardwoods, such as ash, make a good replacement.

Greg Stamer