15 minute read
Folding kayaks
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
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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.
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,
but there’s a big hitch. Nine times out of 10, someone comes along during assembly and asks me a lot of questions. The queries are often the same and I’m pleased to respond, based upon my years of enjoyable experience.
When I was a pint-sized teenager, I owned a beat-up, old, double folding kayak. More recently, I’ve paddled a heavy-duty Nautiraid double in waters ranging from Ontario to New York, from Alabama to California, and from Vancouver Island across to Thunder Bay. I am currently the happy owner of a Folbot Aleut single, the one I refer to above.
Following are my responses to those typical questions.
Q. How long does it take to put one together (if you’re lucky enough to have no interruptions)?
A. Initially, it might take a half hour or more. Practice makes perfect. You can whittle that down to about 10 or 20 twenty minutes on average. Most folding kayaks have colour-coded and/or numbered parts so there’s not much to go wrong.
Q. Who makes folding kayaks, and which is best?
A. There are many manufacturers but only about half a dozen really good ones. The Folbot from the U.S. is my top choice. They give a lifetime warranty, no ifs, ands or buts. You’ll notice rugged fittings, tight stitching, smooth welding, and effortless interlocking parts. They are solid quality at a very reasonable price, and they are extremely easy to assemble quickly. What’s more, they have a Canadian agent located at Le Faivre, just east of Ottawa, so you can easily get to see the models and experience a demo.
In the higher-price bracket, the Canadian Feathercraft brand is superb — a Rolls Royce of kayaks. I’ve toured their Vancouver factory and marveled at their quality and precision. The German Kleeper is “BMW” quality without a doubt. If you like the aesthetics of wood, look at the superb Nautiraid from France, with its beautiful birch frame. Longhaul in the U.S. makes a kayak similar to the Nautiraid, and some say it is even better quality. The nimble ultralightweight FirstLight from New Zealand is also worth considering.
Q. How long have folders been around?
A. Folders were inspired by the rigid Eskimo skin/bone/wood kayaks that have been around for thousands of years. Today’s folders emerged in the early 1900s in Europe and have become increasingly popular worldwide as new space-age materials and sleek designs have developed.
Q. What kind of models are there?
A. There are singles and doubles, all ranging from about 3.6 meters (12 ft) to roughly 5 meters (16.5 ft)
Q. How much do they cost?
A. Expect to pay from about $1,750 to $7,000 Cdn., or more. “Yikes!” you say? Why pay that when you can get a new injection-molded plastic “Tupperware” kayak for only $600 Canadian or a used fiberglass hardshell for $1,500 or less? Because, many kayakers believe a folding kayak offers better handling, better stability, less weight, more convenient storage, longer life, and super portability anywhere by plane, auto, train or bus. For the money-wise, there are often endof-season and winter sales. You can also shop around (especially online) for used folding kayaks for as low as half those prices. However, folders do keep their value very well over the years.
Q. How much does one weigh?
A. Weight ranges from 7.8 kg (21 lb) for a First Light single to 22.4 kg (60 lb) or more for a Nautiraid double.
Q. How much weight including passenger(s) and gear can they take?
A. My compact 3.6 m (12 ft) Folbot Aleut single has a recommended payload of 93 kg (250 lb). So deduct my weight of about 63.4 kg (170 lb), and there’s plenty of room for 26 kg (70 lb) of gear. A double, such as the 6 m (20 ft) Feathercraft K2 Expedition, has a payload of 320 kg+ (700 lb+). Do the math, using your weight.
Q. Can you take a long trip?
A. You bet. Folding kayaks have circumnavigated Australia, England and Ireland and crossed the Atlantic. REQUIRED READING Pick-up this I’ve enjoyed numerous 100 km or outstanding book more trips on waters by Ralph Diaz’s (Complete Folding
Kayaker). such as the Rideau Canal and Ottawa River.
Q. Can you take one on a bus, train or airline?
A. No problem. Driving, throw it in the trunk or back seat of your car. Or, car top it fully assembled. They like to fly, too. I recently took my Folbot Aleut on Air Canada from Ottawa to Thunder Bay via Toronto and back — all without a hitch and with no extra baggage charges. Just pad the bags well. But remember, airline regulations about baggage allowances vary, and may or may not be applied rigorously or consistently.
Q. Are they safe?
A. They are very stable and very seaworthy. When compared to hardshell plastic-type kayaks they are reputed to have a significantly better safety margin. How? When encountering a beam wave or choppy seas, the flexible skin and pliable frame of a folder will flex against the water instead of resisting it like a hardshell. Also, most folders, such as the Folbots and Nautiraids, have inflatable sponsons on the interior walls which enhance stability, increase flotation, and minimize bailing if you get swamped. I have never capsized in a folder, even in two-metre swells. However, better safe than sorry. You should learn the “cowboy” and paddlefloat self-rescue techniques, as well as how to rescue others. Best of all, take a course with a qualified trainer.
Q. Are they durable?
A. Folding kayaks are typically made of very tough synthetic rubberized materials combined with synthetic deck fabric, plus brutish industrial-strength zippers and Velcro closures. In the product descriptions you’ll see such high tech
terms as “ballistic denier high tenacity” and polyurethane solution coating, heat sealing, and abrasion resistance. Assemblies are often of anodized aluminum and/or ultra hard, waterproofed birch with brass and/or stainless steel fittings. Some have polycarbonate frame plates. Maintenance? Zero, apart from wiping off sand or mud. In salt water, barnacles are your worst enemy. Corrosion in salt water can be a problem, too. Just hose the frame down after a trip.
Q. What kind of warranty comes with folders?
A. They vary from five years, to a lifetime “no ifs-and-or-buts” warranty.
Q. Is there room for your camping gear?
A. Yes, absolutely. Just be sure to pack tight and lean, storing the heaviest gear towards the middle and the light stuff towards the bow and stern of your kayak. Use dry bags which also serve as flotation bags. And install low-profile deck bags to hold more gear.
Q. Is handling and performance different than with a hardshell?
A. Folders track very well, saving you a lot of energy by maintaining your course in a cross wind or through choppy seas. Maybe folders are a bit slower than hardshells, but not by much. The beam on a folder is usually wider than on a hardshell. In general, longer folders are faster than short ones — but less manoeuvrable than short ones. In the opinion of some, new folder designs such as the 5 m (16.5 ft) Folbot Cooper with its 0.6 m (2 ft) beam, give performance as fast, even faster than the slickest hardshells. But the trade-off is the narrower the beam, the less the stability.
Q. Can I put a sail on one of them?
A. Yes, there are outrigger float and leeboard kits, small upside-down triangular sail shapes and regular downwind and upwind configurations available for all sizes of folding kayaks. Or make your own. I’ve even enjoyed umbrella sailing with a kayak. Wow! What a rush!
Q. How does one decide which one to buy?
A. What is your budget? Do you want a double for you and your partner or do you prefer going solo? Do you intend to mostly go on long trips or on short paddles, or both? Do you want to fly places with one? Do you want high per
formance and speed? Ask yourself these kinds of questions. Then talk to paddlers of folding kayaks that you meet on rivers and lakes, or online in forums. And try different brands and models by visiting dealers. They are very willing to give demos.
Q. What storage space do I need at home?
A. Chuck your disassembled kayak in the back of a closet or in a basement locker. For example, the two bags for my Folbot Aleut are only 25 cm x 25 cm x 135 cm (10” x 10” x 53”), and 53 cm x 66 cm x 23 cm (21” x 27” x 9”). Neat, eh?
– Mike Lomas is a regular contributor to Ottawa Outdoors Magazine, and is Secretary of the Touring Kayakers Ottawa-Outaouais. He can typically be found flying someplace with his Folbot Aleut folding kayak in hand, or paddling on local waters.
Ottawa Outdoors columnist scores with kayaking book
THE ARRIVAL OF SPRING often spawns a desire to re-acquaint ourselves with nature.
Perhaps it’s from our long, self-imposed exile within the warm comforts of home. With the inviting weather now as an incentive, we can return to the waterways and trails to become active once again. Whether you wish to undertake a new pursuit or rekindle an old interest, there are as many titles geared to enhance your seasonal pursuits.
World renowned kayak instructors Ken Whiting and Kevin Varette have compiled an indispensable whitewater book that gives an excellent summary of the sport and is an ideal reference source. (See Ken’s kayaking column on page 29 of this issue.)
Reading time well-spent:
Freestyle Canoeing: Contemporary Paddling Technique (Globe-Pequot Press, January 2005, $23.95) Safety and First Aid, Fire Building, Forage, Hunt, and Fish, and Much More (Globe Pequote Press, December 2004) Thru-Hiker’s Guide to America – 25 Incredible Trails You Can Hike in One to Eight Weeks (Ragged Mountain Press, February 2005) Sports and Fitness Nutrition Almanac (McGraw-Hill, March 2005) Freshwater Fishing: 100 Tips from the Pros (Key Porter Books, March 2005) The Trailside Cookbook – A Handbook for Hungry Campers and Hikers, Firefly Books. (February 2005) A Camper’s Guide to Ontario’s Best Parks (Boston Mills Press, 2005) A Paddler’s Guide to Algonquin Park (Boston Mills Press, 2004)
For the kids:
Hook, Line and Seeker: A Beginners Guide to Fishing, Boating, and Watching Water Wildlife (May 2005)
$22.95) lets readers progress through a variety of topics that include equipment, preparation, manoeuvres, racing, rescue, and etiquette. The illustrated presentation includes drawings and photographs, and allows readers to easily comprehend concepts. The authors draw on the expertise of such notable contributors as Paul Mason (artwork), Paul Villecourt (photography) and Tao Berman (extreme kayaker). Numerous articles are written by kayakers who share their useful advice and first-hand experiences.
Moving from water-oriented fun to land exploration, those interested in exploring the trails will become engrossed in The Backpackers Handbook - 3rd Edition (Ragged Mountain Press/ McGraw Hill, 2004, $28.95).
Chris Townsend draws on a wealth of personal experience from more than 20,000 miles on various hikes over 30 years. He has experienced all weather conditions, and used a wide assortment of equipment. This is not a destination book, but rather a well laid out guide to help prepare backpackers. Taking readers from the basics of fitness and clothing, to equipment selection and cooking, Townsend helps hikers make informed decisions.
This inviting book fully addresses a variety of subject matters, and is enhanced by illustrations and lists. There is also valuable information on trail etiquette, safety, backpacker savvy, and travels abroad.
Biographies are a reflection of our common humanity. In Paddling the Boreal Forest — Rediscovering A.P. Low (Natural Heritage Books, 2004, $26.95), Max Finkelstein and James Stone (the authors) do an exemplary job of portraying a man and his life’s work. But they don’t stop there; they go further by reliving his exploratory experience. From 1883-1905, Low’s work for the federal government and the private sector took him on extensive journeys through the Quebec/Labrador boreal forest.
His journeys contributed significantly to a better understanding of the people and topography of the area, as well as geological and scientific concerns. The authors blend the profile of the man, his historic routes, and their own 1,000-kilometre experience. Their exhaustive research provides a vivid account of both historic and contemporary experience. One can only reflect in awe of the undertakings of A.P. Low and wonder what other great souls have been lost in the annals of history.
As everyone knows, physical exercise makes for a hearty appetite. Don Jacobson adds to his collection of titles to include The One Pan Galley Gourmet – Simple Cooking on Boats and The One Pan Gourmet Cooks Lite – A Low Fat Guide to Outdoor Cooking.
Watch for the new release, The One Pan Gourmet, Fresh Food on the Trail 2nd Edition (McGraw-Hill Book Co., 2005, $19.95). It will help readers develop the expertise to prepare fresh, nutritious, and appealing meals with a minimum of equipment. The witty recipe titles (such as Hula Bird, and Belly Bustin’ Spuds) will pique one’s interest and result in some scrumptious meal discoveries. Addressing the basics of balance and variety, and touting a minimum impact upon the environment, the author’s fare on the trail will become an exciting undertaking for everyone. – Jo-Anne Mary Benson is an Ottawa area resident, frequent traveller and long-time writer/reviewer. She specializes in travel literature, nature books, and material about the outdoors.
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