After a pause in Volendam we could go straight to Marken but to make it more challenging for the group, we set out first to the IJsselmeer where you could see nice waves in the distance.
At first the 40-60cm-waves came from aside and the stability of the SI18 was still very good. In fact I could stop paddling and still sit relaxed, while leaning lazy backwards in the cockpit.
The kayak liked it very much and danced over the waves.
In these waves I did not have to lower the skeg as the kayak is very maneuverable in these conditions and stayed on course with the greatest of ease.
Arriving at a buoy north of Marken we turned south with the waves pushing as. Perfect to go surfing. It was a pity having to stay with the group, otherwise I would have gone surfing for a long way: because surfing the SI18 is big fun.
This kayak is a real surf-machine. She picks up a wave with ease and accelerates quickly. While surfing I discovered that she is still controllable in a way. Often it helps to improve surfing in a kayak to lean backwards while operating a paddle-rudder. While doing so I could play a bit with how far leaning backwards. To my surprise this had effect on the course and offered a tool to change course at will while surfing. Amazing.
When not surfing the kayak stays very good on course having to mention that I paddled with the retractable skeg down.
Arriving at Marken there was quite a lot of clapotis-waves at the harbor-entrance. Just for fun I let me drift in these waves for a while. Good stability.
After a brake we stared the last leg of our tour: westwards, back to Monnickendam. As the wind was NNW the waves came more or less from aside. The waves were very lively and I was happy how easily the SI18 could be steered over them. In fact I did not use the retractable skeg now as the kayak was so maneuverable that keeping course just happened with ease.
On this leg of the tour I paddled criss-cross through the field of paddlers. Getting a paddler back to the group, enjoying the speed with which the kayak is splitting the waves. Or just trying how the kayak could be turned in waves and wind: turning against the wind or turning downwind.
Here I have to write a rectification on earlier remarks: Earlier I had problems with turning downwind but today, keep in mind that I tailorfitted the kayak, I had no problems in turning downwind in waves and wind thanks to the improved grip of hips and knees in the cockpit. So this is again a proof for the proposition that tailorfitting effects the performance of a kayak in a positive way.
Coming near the harbor of Monnickendam the waves died away and immediately the kayaks starts weathercocking again; even with the retractable skeg down.
I enjoyed it very much today: paddling the SI18 !
In fact I think she would be a beautiful and perfect seakayak, without much compromising if only three issues are improved: a twice as big a skegblade to prevent weathercocking, thigh grips with a better and more anatomical shape and the sloped surfaces in the deck made longer and/or moved forwards. And of course the watertightness of the back-hatch should be improved but that is obvious a must. Yes, today again water in the aft-compartment.
To be continued.
pictures will follow later.