Allan Bennett
July 21st 03, 07:14 PM
In article >, N. Ewbie
<URL:mailto:nosp@m> wrote:
> I enjoy the 'aerobic conditioning' side of paddle sports and I am thinking
> of trying my hand at marathon kayaking. However there is no history of it
> in my club. Being over 35, looks like I'd be classed as a 'veteran' and
> obviously I would start in the lowest division.
Not necessarily: you are supposed to start in a division commensurate with
your speed / ability - age and gender don't come into it.
> It seems early days for me to use a racing boat, but I was wondering what
> might be a reasonable fast touring kayak that I could use in lower division
> marathons without making an arse of myself?
I would recommen a Cirrus (fast tourer/ stable racer) or Sceptre as the next
step up. But then I am a bit biased towards my own boats...
> And is there a 'cut off' i.e. a division when most people compete in
> racers?
There isn't one, really. A Sceptre can still be competitive in Div 4 when an
elite K1 might be out of the question for the individual.
Divs 7,8,9 are only 4 miles, of course, so you get less paddling, less time
to enjoy the scenery - and less time to catch up with the tearaways...
Allan Bennett
Not a fan of self promotion
--
<URL:mailto:nosp@m> wrote:
> I enjoy the 'aerobic conditioning' side of paddle sports and I am thinking
> of trying my hand at marathon kayaking. However there is no history of it
> in my club. Being over 35, looks like I'd be classed as a 'veteran' and
> obviously I would start in the lowest division.
Not necessarily: you are supposed to start in a division commensurate with
your speed / ability - age and gender don't come into it.
> It seems early days for me to use a racing boat, but I was wondering what
> might be a reasonable fast touring kayak that I could use in lower division
> marathons without making an arse of myself?
I would recommen a Cirrus (fast tourer/ stable racer) or Sceptre as the next
step up. But then I am a bit biased towards my own boats...
> And is there a 'cut off' i.e. a division when most people compete in
> racers?
There isn't one, really. A Sceptre can still be competitive in Div 4 when an
elite K1 might be out of the question for the individual.
Divs 7,8,9 are only 4 miles, of course, so you get less paddling, less time
to enjoy the scenery - and less time to catch up with the tearaways...
Allan Bennett
Not a fan of self promotion
--