posture will be. In reality, there’s a comfort and control tradeoff and each individual has his limits. You will figure out your own soon enough. COST Unlike most sporting goods, whitewater kayaks don’t vary much in price. New boats typically range around US $850–$1,200. The used boat market is substantial, so it is fairly easy to find discounted prices at retail stores, online forums, kayak schools, or around local paddling spots. One thing to consider is this: as boats come with increasing amounts of design and outfitting features, there are more things to look out for when purchasing previously owned models. Buyer beware! PICKING A BOAT Once we’re aware of the basic design features, it’s time to get out there and test-drive. If you’re just starting, you’ll want to take lessons. While you’re there, ask your instructors for advice and, most importantly, try out different boats. Manufacturers now produce most models in a variety of sizes, so you shouldn’t have trouble getting relatively comfortable in one. The decision should be made based on the following factors: your intended use for the boat, your size and weight, your comfort level in the boat, your budget, and personal preferences. Remember that your skill level will be improving fairly quickly, so pick a boat that has at least some features you will appreciate in the future. Many retail stores or outfitters allow demo rentals and then allocate the rental cost toward the purchase. This way, you maximize your trial time and will have made the most informed decision possible. Good luck! – Ken Whiting was the 1997-98 World Whitewater Freestyle Champion. Look for his new book, The Ultimate Guide to Whitewater Kayaking, and his upcoming video, The Ultimate Guide to Sea Kayaking. Check out his web site at: www.playboat.com.
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OTTAWAOUTDOORS SPRING/SUMMER 2005
Secrets of the folding kayak are out of the bag Compact pleasure for the space-challenged By Michael Lomas Photos by Folbot MY SMALL DOWNTOWN condo has its limitations – no baby grand, no pool table and no kayak. Okay, I lied. There’s barely enough room to sneeze at my place, but I do keep a kayak at home in two compact canvas bags. They hold my 14.5 kg (39 lb), Folbot Aleut single folded kayak that extends to 3.7 m (12 ft), two inflatable flotation bags, a lightweight two-piece double paddle, a collapsible spare paddle, a collapsible bailer bucket and sponge, two mooring ropes and my personal flotation device. Assembly of a folding kayak takes about 10 minutes to: • roll out the Hypalon/polyester skin • assemble the four-piece aluminum stern and bow sections • click in the polycarbonate crossframes • inflate and insert flotation bags in each section • slide the two assembled sections inside the skin and lock them together • click in the middle cross-frame • cap the cockpit with the three-piece aluminum gunwale washboards • inflate the two internal side sponsons to tighten the skin and provide extra flotation, and • tie the mooring ropes onto the bow and stern. Presto, the kayak is fully assembled. Usually, I don’t bother to install the rudder that comes with the kayak. Then I am on the water, ready to paddle. Okay, I’m lying again. That’s how it should be,
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