Comments for calkayak

Comment on Jackson Zen Kayak Review by Anthony Cheeks

Anthony Cheeks — Sun, 03 Feb 2013 13:54:55 +0000

I had a chance to try some rolling practice in the Jackson Zen at the outdoor pool in Folsom a few weeks ago. Loved the way it felt and it was easy to roll. I see that CalKayak is having an event in April River Running with Colin Kemp and Noah Fraser at Barking Dog featuring the Zen. Prerequisites say that only Whitewater 201 is needed, but the event indicates that it will be held at class 3+ Barking Dog.

I have had class 2 instruction and would love to try the Zen on the river. Is the April event appropriate for someone who has class 2 experience, a decent river roll, but never been in class 3 water? Thanks..

Comment on Feathering – not just for the birds by tony

tony — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 01:53:36 +0000

Thank you, very very helpfull

Comment on Floating down the Feather by CCK Staff Blog

CCK Staff Blog — Wed, 19 Sep 2012 16:46:06 +0000

We put in at the Montgomery St. park/boat ramp and paddled down to the end of the Wildlife Area. http://tinyurl.com/yldtw4m

Comment on Jackson Zen Kayak Review by John Simpkin

John Simpkin — Sun, 26 Aug 2012 15:19:36 +0000

Bryant,
Nice to see you yesterday and thumbs up (again) on your “mission”. Challenging and honorable “run” I’d say. Matt at CCK Lotus loves the Zen. Talked a coupla times on the river with a CCK Sacto guide a few months ago and he just went on and on about the boat both times I saw him. Yesterday Chad Long had a bunch of good to say about the boat also. Tom Long was in one down Chili Bar yesterday. Chad did say that he thought the boat would “spear” rather than ride up over bigger waves (I’m thinking winter Gorge). Your review is the clincher. I’m taking Weston Rademacher (CCK Lotus, chemisery kid at school) down the Gorge next Saturday or Sunday for his maiden trip IF he can get Tammy to give him a day off. I’m guessing he’ll be taking his Fun and I’ll probably give a CCK Zen a try then.

Comment on The Lost Coast of California by Ali

Ali — Sat, 04 Aug 2012 01:00:40 +0000

When are we going? Sounds fab!

Comment on Floating down the Feather by Emily

Emily — Tue, 17 Jul 2012 18:40:11 +0000

Curious to where you put in and took out?

Comment on Boat Primer #3 – Sea Kayaks by Anthony Cheeks

Anthony Cheeks — Sun, 10 Jun 2012 19:19:55 +0000

Sean, thanks for the quick reply. Once our skills are up to snuff so that my friend and I are comfortable doing these paddles without a guide or instructor, I will mostly be paddling the bay in the area around Angel Island, Yellow Bluff, Horseshoe Cove and out the gate as far as Kirby Cove. just playing around in chop, Don’t plan on doing much long distance touring.

Unfortunately, other life responsibilities make it unlikely we will be paddling with you again this year. But in 2013, I am pretty sure we will be back for more Yellow Bluff and then perhaps another crack at Point Bonita..

I will add the Delphin to my demo list. Thanks again.

Comment on Boat Primer #3 – Sea Kayaks by CCK Staff Blog

CCK Staff Blog — Sun, 10 Jun 2012 00:18:41 +0000

Hi Anthony
You make some great observations. I remember the difficulties you had during that class and I would agree that hull design can make a considerable difference to your comfort level in choppy water.
Initial stability is a function of how flat the hull of the kayak is in cross section and how wide that flat area is. And yes, a Looksha 14 or the Easky 15 will have much greater initial stability than the Squall.
Of course there are downsides to a flat bottomed kayak, otherwise all kayaks would be designed that way. The first is that in waves a flat bottomed kayak will be more inclined to toss the occupant around like a rag doll because the hull doesn’t want to conform to the waves approaching from the side. A flat bottomed kayak will also be slower than a rounded hull due to the increased wetted surface area. It will also not track as well.
So most manufacturers compromise and maintain some curve to the cross section of the hull. The P&H Delphin is a good example of a kayak that has a fairly flat bottom but maintains some curvature, thus it feels very stable on flat water and deals with waves nicely.
You should choose your kayak based on what you plan to do with it for the majority of time that you will be paddling it. If you are most likely going to be playing in rough water then something like the Delphin would be a great choice. If you will mostly be paddling distance then you should choose a kayak with a more rounded hull (and a little more length) than the Delphin.
The Venture (formerly P&H) Capella 166 is a good example of a great all round kayak that provides a balance of stability, speed and maneuverability and there are many other fine kayaks that would fit the bill.
Once you have narrowed down the style of kayak you want, focus on fit and comfort.
Have fun making your selection!
Cheers
Sean

Comment on Boat Primer #3 – Sea Kayaks by Anthony Cheeks

Anthony Cheeks — Sat, 09 Jun 2012 20:07:16 +0000

Hello,

Is there any consistency in determining initial stability based on amount of rocker, hard or soft chine, or rounded vs shall V hull, etc? For instance does a hard chined boat usually have better initial stability than a soft chined boat? Or is it so variable, that you cannot really come up with a consistent rule?

I did the point Bonita paddle with Sean last August in a Current Designs Squall. Had some stability problems, (3 capsizes). Sean was kind enough to recommend some boats for me, including the Venture Easky 15 and the Capella 166. I tried the Easky 15 at Yellow Bluff, and liked it a lot

But to date, the most stable boat for me has been the Necky Looksha 14. I have had it in open water at Half Moon Bay, and in Yellow Bluff with nary a twitch. . So given my need for good initial stability, is there any particular hull characteristic such as hard or soft chine, that is most indicative of how much initial stability the boat will have?

I read the P&H Delphin 150 and 155 reviews. Sounded like a fun boat. But since I had trouble with the Squall, am wondering if the Delphin series might give me similar problems. Thanks..

Comment on Standup Paddleboarding Yellow Bluff by SUP San Diego

SUP San Diego — Wed, 30 May 2012 19:06:25 +0000

SIIIICK!!!! Love it man, nothin’ like SUPing in the tide rip!