: Hi Robert,

: I plan to attend and do the TK1 marathon event (V35) - either in this kayak
: or another to the same design. I have the lines for a TK2 also, and
: depending on how I go with my paddling partner we may compete in this too.
: Who knows, I may even be able to stay upright in a K1 by then!

I built Hans Friedel's Raven design for the Edmonton Games. I built it as light as possible, glassed only the outside and taped the inside with minimal fillets in the joints. The weight came in just a tad over 12 kgs, the minimum allowable weight for the TK-1 class. The design was tippy but it served me well enough for me to take gold in the river marathon event for my age group. I even managed to take the Raven over an artificial water fall created by a partially submerged wood structure. Managed to take on a wee bit of water but not enough to cause me instabilty. Shook my nerves more than anything because I knew that if I tipped, the second place competitor was only a minute behind me.

: I'm not 100% happy with this kayak (having done the hull and 'glassing this
: week) as it's not completely fair - had a few clamping issuew. But it will
: paddle well. SO I hope to do an impproved one for the WM Games...that
: won't have a graphite bottom, just to be safe :-)

I managed to bungle the building of the Raven just a little. The keel was not wabbly but straight. Minor imperfections won't affect you unless you paddle it at top speed, something you won't be able to do for a river event unless your abilities and strength are at Olympic levels.

: Are you coming down under for the games next year?

I am considering the trip down. Certainly, I have a few friends who think I should go. I won't make that decision for some time yet because I am also considering taking a trip to India as well. I am also thinking of delaying the finish of my big river trip because of the India considerations. My holiday time is limited to two weeks and if I go to India, I will have to take an extra two weeks off without pay. That said, getting to Hudson Bay weighs on my mind but I would rather do that final leg of the trip in a relaxed state, so next year looks more ideal than this year.

Robert N Pruden