VALKYRIE and OCTANE - Sea kayak v Surfski

[@kayaksnorkeluk8272]

Which epic was he paddling before?? Never mind just found out in the description on Harrys rocks video

[@GoneKayaking]

Ah.. great.. yes, Epic 18x. It also had an aftermarket mod with a fixed rudder fin which made it responsive in deep water but was rather a liability when launching and landing etc. Its a lovely boat and lighter than my pocket sized white water boat but a real handful to paddle. He still uses it but mostly just on the river near his home.

[@mattthorntonbrown218]

The rocker fore to aft .. the banana shape if you want influences stability massively. The flat The shape the faster ... skis are all designed towards speed. There are halfway kayaks that are essentially sea kayas with a seal cockpit. A wide boat will rock more in a side chop. A narrow sea kayak will yield more to a side chop. If possible spend some time with a racing or life saving club so they can help your technique and stability .. plus rolling skills and confidence before buying.

[@GoneKayaking]

Thanks Matt Yep, all very valid tips. The stability theme came from Captain Chris who has paddled for many years but was seduced by the racy lines of an Epic 18x for a bargain price on ebay... However, despite being mighty fast on calm water, I was like standing on a log in any ripples - let alone real waves. He now uses it on the river only and the Octane is his go to boat for the sea. He has taken it all over the Solent in all conditions as well as proper surf in Cornwall. He is a new person now!!

[@hikinguphigh]

Calshot?

[@GoneKayaking]

Exactly - with Chimney..

[@kayaksnorkeluk8272]

@@GoneKayaking R.I.P

[@SeaShanty2016]

Have you tried lifting your hand to eye height and keeping it there through the drive phase? The higher the hand, the more vertical the blade entry, the more efficient the stroke. The lower the hand, the flatter the blade entry, the more the stroke works as a turning force rather than driving forward.

[@GoneKayaking]

Well noted!! I do try this though by force of habit often end up in lazy mode again.. it'll come though.

[@SeaShanty2016]

@@GoneKayaking Our coach used make us do the following exercise to promote correct hand height: 1. Hold the paddle with shaft parallel to the water and at eye level for a second or two. 2. Spear the blade forward and down and stroke with the rear hand following through at eye level. 3. Finish the stroke and Stop……….holding the paddle again parallel to the water and at eye level and wait for a second or two. Repeat over and over…..

[@GoneKayaking]

@@SeaShanty2016 thanks Duncan. I'll give rhat a go. Maybe you'll see some progress on the next videos

[@SeaShanty2016]

@@GoneKayaking 👍

[@kayaksnorkeluk8272]

Also noted 👍