The Xcite on tour

Today my kayakclub KVU planned a tour around the "island" Marken. Starting at the end of the dike connecting the island to the mainland, we paddled before the wind. The waves were a bit disturbed but now and then a nice surfable wave came by. With the skeg lowered to maximum depth it was no problem to keep course. However it was necessary to stay alert en react quickly on waves to maintain course. But I can tell that these conditions a difficult for a beginner in what-so-ever seakayak.
But in the hands of an experienced kayakker keeping course should be no problem at all in this maneuverable kayak.

Nearing the lighthouse " 't Paard" the waves were a bit higher and the Xcite just dances over them. It is really a lively kayak in which you can feel united with kayak and waves.
IN these waves U exercised turning away from the wind as well as turning into the wind. I used edging plus sweepstrokes for this and had no difficulties: the kayak just responded very well. I mean there was NO obvious point where the kayak refused to turn (something which happens with some kayaks when parallel to the waves).

When the wind came from left the Xcite weathercocked only slightly. I could easily tune the kayak with the variable skeg for this.
Although: without using the skeg it was also easy to keep course with this maneuverable kayak on these short, irregular waves.

We paddled also a track against the waves and I did not notice any significant leecocking. But I must say that leecocking most of the time only occurs in stronger winds than today's.

Highlights of today: lively, maneuverable and stable seekayak.