Muzz wrote:
I took the GPS out today to check my speed. Worked out at 4kmh into the wind
and 6kmh with. My pal with the P&H Quest says this sounds about right but I
fear he's being kind so I don't chicken out going on a trip with him. I did
manage an 8kmh sprint, a very short sprint.

Speed will largely depend on the hull speed of the boat, which as a
rule of thumb goes up with waterline length and up with reduced
width. So a long, narrow boat is fastest (but a long fat boat
would probably do better than a short, narrow one).

In a sea kayak you'd typically expect ~3-4 knots depending on the
boat, paddler and conditions. A knot is just under 2 km/h (you can
set most GPS units to display marine units if you want). Exceeding
the basic hull speed of a boat is possible but puts you into the
realm of a very steep curve of diminishing returns.

Speed is only usually much of an issue touring if you have to go
into strong tide or wind. If you're against a 3 knot tide and are
only managing 3 knots, that gives you an effective speed of zero,
but still using lots of energy!

It's often the case that a tour can take its time. Wait a few
hours and that 3 knot tide will be with you rather than against
you, and if you've got all day you might as well use it. If you're
not racing there needn't be a hurry.

On a sea tour, the ability to paddle efficiently though not
especially fast for hours at a time will generally be more useful
than outright sprint speed. An ability to turn on the power for
short spells can certainly be useful, but a relaxed forward stroke
you can keep up is what will get you most of your miles.

Pete.
--
Peter Clinch Medical Physics IT Officer
Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Univ. of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital
Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK
net http://www.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/