Channel16 COMMUNITY | EDITORIAL | CONTRIBUTORS | WATERLINES COMMUNITY RE: “WAS DEREK HUTCHINSON RIGHT?”
“I VALUE MY OWN SAFETY TOO MUCH TO TAKE ADVICE FROM SOMEONE WHO THINKS THEY’RE NOT BETWEEN SWIMS.” From a comment posted on Adventure Kayak’s Facebook page by ANDREA KNEPPER
journal k ayaker’s
A FRACTION OF THE PRICE. PHOTO: MICHAEL MECHAN
ALL THE FEATURES, INSIDE OUT BY VIRGINIA MARSHALL The Strait 140 XE BY ELIE
Before you scoff that any kayak with a pur- chase price not requiring a hefty line of credit isn’t worth the salt in the ocean, we invite you to test-drive the Strait 140 XE. The largest size in a new line of thermoform
polyethylene day touring kayaks from Quebec- based Elie Kayaks, the Strait 140’s construc- tion, proportions and price point place it on the recreational end of the paddling spectrum. But it’s the most salient features of any kayak—on- water performance and paddleability—that make the Strait 140 a solid contender in the growing light touring segment. New paddlers will appreciate the excellent
primary stability generated by the Strait’s wide beam and shallow-V hull, while reassuring sec- ondary stability invites advancing beginners and intermediates to explore the surprisingly lively and responsive performance on edge. The moderately rockered, Swede form hull
offers a good compromise of speed and maneu- verability—respectable cruising speed for its length with adequate, if not race-winning, ac- celeration and turn-on-a-dime responsiveness. The Strait 140 tracks well in sheltered waters.
Weathercocking and drifting are noticeable in a strong crosswind because of the higher wind- age of the Strait’s profile, although dropping the rudder helps keep it on track in these conditions. The spacious cockpit accommodates larger
34 ADVENTURE KAYAK | SPRING 2012
paddlers, while the padded thigh braces, er- gonomic seat and adjustable backrest ensure a comfortable, positive fit for solid control in rough water. The sliding track-style foot pegs adjust easily but offer less support when the rudder is deployed than gas pedal-style pegs. The most distinctive element of the Strait’s
outfitting are the clever Quick Lock bow and stern hatches. A simple turn of the latches opens the durable ABS hatch on its hinge, so you’ll never have to fiddle with bungees or struggle with stubborn rubber or neoprene hatches again. The downside is the lack of wa- tertight gaskets, resulting in water infiltration when paddling in rough conditions or rolling. The Strait XE also comes equipped with a
day hatch, in the form of a dry bag hung from the rim of the hatch, not a separate compart- ment. The day hatch’s screw-style cover is diffi- cult to unscrew and must be positioned exactly on the rim thread to close, making on-water access a tricky operation. It would have been nice to see a Quick Lock hatch used for the day access as well, where it would be most handy. With surprising agility and storage capacity,
the Strait 140 delivers touring performance at a recreational price. It best suits mid- to large- sized paddlers looking for an affordable, full- featured kayak for performance day paddling or weekend tours in sheltered waters.
SLICK LIDS Quick Lock hatches are a blessing for cold or tired fingers. With 50 liters in the bow and 90 liters in the stern, storage capacity is exceptional for a 14-footer.
HARD BODY
The hull is constructed of lightweight, hardwearing three-layer Poly-XR that Elie claims is 30 percent more rigid than standard polyethylene. The shallow-V hull with medium-hard chines offers a performance-minded compromise of stability and edgeability.
EXTENDED PLAY A removable plastic keel extension enhances tracking and adds durabil- ity to a high-wear part of the hull. The substantial rudder aids with tracking and turning even in waves and swell.
ELIE STRAIT 140 XE Length ............................................ 14 ft Width .........................................24.25 in Weight ..........................................53 lbs Capacity ....................................300 lbs Price ....................................... $1,100 US
www.eliesport.com
Digital Extra: To watch a video review, go to Adventurekayakmag. com/0043 or download the Adventure Kayak app.
In the app and digital editions this issue
If you’re not reading this on your tablet or at www.
adventurekayakmag.com/0028, here’s what you’re missing:
» Video tutorial on edging your kayak (Technique, page 30).
» Racy footage of this spring’s hot new gear in action (In the Hatch, page 31).
» Video review of the Feather- craft Heron and Elie Strait 140 XE (Inside Out, pages 32 and 34).
» Exclusive Rapid Media TV episode filmed on location with Body Boat Blade kayak school in Deception Pass (page 46).
Watch for this icon throughout this issue of Adventure Kayak for bonus digital content.
8 ADVENTURE KAYAK | SPRING 2012 Storm Paddling
We love any excuse to paddle in rough water, and we’re glad our readers do, too. Adventure Kayak was on the water at the Georgian Bay Storm Gathering for the second year in a row (“Gathering for a Storm,” Spring 2011, www.
adventurekayakmag.com/0029), where
gale
force winds dominated a wet and wild week- end. Jeff Bodhi wrote on Facebook, “I had an awesome time! The Storm Gathering certainly lived up to its name this year,” and wannabe gatherer Bryan Sarauer added, “I need to make this happen for 2012—this looks like a helluva lot of fun.” Stephen Coutts of Guelph, Ontario, wrote to thank us for snapping this photo (above) of him in the rough stuff, “I am way cool, but now I can prove it to my kids.”
Dressed for Success
In “The Right Stuff ” (Summer/Fall 2011,
www.adventurekayakmag.com/0030),
seven
professional paddlers shared what they pack in their PFDs and the reasons why. Michael Ca- doret wrote to thank us—“congratulations on a fantastic and ever-improving magazine!”—and submit an additional recommendation, “lami- nated copies of your driver’s license, next of kin and medical prescription info.” Facebook fans chimed in as well: Len McDougall renounced luxuries, packing just, “The basic three—fire starter, map and compass, stout knife.”Kayaker Greg focused on communication with “a VHF, cellphone and PLB…the rest can go in the day hatch.”Mike Kopack’s priorities leaned toward a more basic level of survival, “Snacks, mostly snacks, then I fill the cockpit with more snacks.”
PHOTO: VIRGINIA MARSHALL
INSET PHOTOS: VIRGINIA MARSHALL
journal k ayaker’s
SKILLS BY ALEC & SHARON BLOYD-PESHKIN The Right Stuff
FINDING A BALANCE BETWEEN PREPAREDNESS AND BULK ISN’T EASY. WHAT ARE THE ESSENTIALS? SEVEN EXPERT PADDLERS REVEAL WHAT THEY KEEP CLOSE TO THEIR HEARTS
JUSTINE CURGENVEN ADVENTURE FILMMAKER
PFD SHE WEARS: KOKATAT MsFIT
PHILOSOPHY: “I don’t like a lot of weight in my PFD. I consider the environment and go with as little as possible accordingly.”
WHAT SHE CARRIES: Hydration pack, camera, compass, energy bars, basic first aid kit, duct tape, camera lens cloth. If conditions warrant, a VHF radio, light and knife.
WHY? “I prefer to be comfortable and perform well rather than to be so encumbered by all my equipment that something is more likely to go wrong.”
RYAN RUSHTON OWNER OF GENEVA KAYAK CENTER
PFD HE WEARS: PEAK UK ADVENTURE ZIP
PHILOSOPHY: “Two words: simplicity and access, so the more multi-functional items, the better.”
WHAT HE CARRIES: Waist tow—rope stored in PFD pocket, laser flare, compass, knife, lip balm, sunscreen, small first aid kit, flares, VHF radio, gutter tape, light at night.
WHY? “From a group leadership standpoint, you need to be on your game. Most often I need the tow rope, compass, first aid kit and roll of tape.”
SHAWNA FRANKLIN and LEON SOMMÉ OWNERS OF BODY BOAT BLADE
PFDs THEY WEAR: KOKATAT MsFIT TOUR
PHILOSOPHY: “My PFD is completely clean on the outside. I believe in having a clean body, clean boat.”—Leon. “It depends where I’m paddling.”—Shawna.
WHAT THEY CARRY: Hood, sunscreen, candy bar, grease stick, small repair kit, aspirin, whistle, knife. If conditions warrant, a VHF radio. Shawna also carries a strobe light and hydration pack.
WHY? “I started with no PFD, and then a friend gave me one and I went whole hog with five pockets. But as I paddled and coached, I realized how little I used on a regular basis.”—Leon.
CHRISTOPHER LOCKYER OWNER OF COMMITTED 2 THE CORE
PFD HE WEARS: KOKATAT RONIN PRO
PHILOSOPHY: “Keep it simple. Be aware what you need—you can’t have everythi immediately accessible.”
WHAT HE CARRIES: Hydration pack, locator light, energy bar, folding knife, grease pencil, Denso tape, river gloves, mask for CPR, whistle, compass, sunscreen, lip balm.
WHY? “For 10 years I carried a lot more stuff—small repair kit, immersion bag, VHF radio, flares—where the hell do you put it? It’s a 50-pound PFD. And if you’re in the water all the time, all of it gets soaked and ruined. So now I prefer to tuck that stuff away.”
MARSHA HENSON CO-OWNER SEA KAYAK GEORGIA
PFDs SHE WEARS: ASTRAL HYBRID, KOKATAT MsFIT
PHILOSOPHY: “I think of the most important things for the day and the paddle, and everything else goes in the day hatch where I can reach it.”
WHAT SHE CARRIES: Lip balm, sunscreen, whistle, small first aid kit, orienteering compass, nose clips, light, small knife, snack. If conditions warrant, a VHF radio.
WHY? “I really dislike crammed pockets. Because of the salt, sun and heat, everything has to be checked frequently.”
JEFF ALLEN CO-OWNER SEA KAYAKING CORNWALL
PFD HE WEARS: KOKATAT SEAO2
PHILOSOPHY: “Ease of movement is a big factor. I don’t want to be encumbered by my PFD.”
WHAT HE CARRIES: Flares, VHF radio, knife, roll of insulating tape, CPR face mask, neoprene gloves, compass, chocolate bar, whistle, headlamp, military waterproof pencil. On an expedition, an EPIRB. He also added a crotch strap to prevent PFD ride-up in sea survival situations.
WHY? “I spent a couple of hours in a survival tank with two-meter wave action. It was a lesson learned on the inadequacies of a swim aid [versus] a survival vest.”
24 ADVENTURE KAYAK | SUMMER/FALL 2011
PHOTOS COURTESY (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT): JUSTINE CURGENVEN, CHRISTOPHER LOCKYER, MARSHA HENSON, JEFF ALLEN, LEON SOMMÉ AND RYAN RUSHTON
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64