My kayak seemingly creates no waves; only a smooth v-shaped channel
that trails the boat. It seems to iron out the choppy waves. Isnt there
an advantage to follow in the wake when leading boat irons out choppy
waves. It is almost always a bit choppy in the ocean.


Michael Daly wrote:
Marsh Jones wrote:

Drafting works on a bike because if you are behind, you are riding in a
[...]
This isn't the case in a canoe.
Drafting in a canoe or kayak is using the waves generated by ... the boats
around you.

You are correct, of course, drafting on a bike is "hiding" behind the lead rider
whereas drafting in a paddled boat is riding a wave. Totally different
concepts. You don't need to get too complicated to explain that.

Most fla****er canoe/kayak racing takes place at, or near
'hull speed'.

Over short courses (Olympic ICF class boats) the race is at speeds well in
excess of hull speed - over twice hull speed is routine. That only demonstrates
that hull speed is entirely arbitrary and is nothing resembling a speed limit.

In longer races, that level of power output can't be maintained by mere humans,
so the speeds drop to lower levels.

Mike