Wednesday 25-02-09.
Due to ice, covering the inland waters, it's some time ago that I could make an evening workout. As tonight, when I arrived at the club, no members were present yet I took the Fjord and paddled her for an hour. I took the route just over the middle of the Alkmaardermeer. The wind blew with force 5Bft, arranging some nice waves for me.
At first I surfed with the wind pushing in my back from an angle, which is mostly a direction where weathercocking occurs. However with the variable skeg the Fjord could be perfectly trimmed to neutral. Only once I had to make a few corrective strokes to keep a straight course. At that time I did not realise I was surfing, causing the change of direction, because of the dark and invisible waves.
Next course gave waves and wind from aside, the waves sometimes passing diagonally. Again the Fjord could be trimmed to neutral and only sometimes, due to the wave impact, in need of a correction stroke.
While edging the kayak, this felt very comfortable and responsive.
Turning around, to go home, brought the conditions in reverse; so I paddled yet against waves and wind.
The Fjord danced very lively over the waves. I was surprised how this antique kayak handled the waves so well, splicing them without slowing down and offering a dry ride as well.
Oh, and not forget to mention that the skeg again assisted me in paddling a neutral course without weathercocking. The Fjord really listens to the skeg.
Did you know, by the way, that paddling in the dark towards a green or red buoy-light is a very easy way to notice whether the kayak is weather- or leecocking? I just found out today.
Anyway, I was very pleased with the Fjord on this lonely, dark trip. 