In testing the Distance from SKIM I did not have the opportunity yet to paddle her in a following sea.
I got the impression on earlier occasions that she could be demanding than, but to be sure I must investigate this better. So when Hans mailed me if I was happy to join in on a tour in the Voordelta I said yes, with the restriction that there should be enough wind.
Picture: Hans Heupink
About the wind I had nothing to complain about because the NW-wind did blow the whole nigth before at 8-9Bft and it was predicted to decrease, during the day, to 6Bft.
BUT: not yet when we started at the harbour Springersdiep! It was still blowing at 7-8Bft than. We worked ourselves against the wind, not making much progress ofcourse.
Just started, some dark clouds created even so much wind that I had the desire to quit because the Distance leecocked so much that I thought I could not have enough energy to endure these conditions very long.
Earlier I concluded that the Distance should be paddled by a paddler of 85kg or more. Therefor I loaded today 20 kg extra load to compensate for my weigth and to bring the total at approx. 87kg.
Under conditions of 6-7 Bft. the Distance was manageble with this extra load. But today, unless the extra load, I felt desperate now and than as a result of the long nose being blown away at the moment it looked above a wavetop. As the Distance is not very manouvrable in waves it was difficult to get her on the old course again before hitting the next wave.
During the trip I tried quit a lot of trics or combinations of them, making it somewhat better, but hard labour was it. Surely!
It must be experienced paddlers only I would recommend the Distance when paddling in 6Bft or more.
The Nordkapp of Guus showed a simular behaviour (to a lesser extend), but was better managable. I think, as a result of my experiments with my own Nordkapp, the Nordkapp could behave much better when outfitted better to improve the boatcontact with the paddler.
The Pintail of Hans did not have any problem because she is very manouvrable, making it possible to turn quickly back to the original course migth it happen that the nose is blown away. Probably Hans enjoyed these weather-conditions more than we did, while working hard.
After we had a brake at the shore near the ligthhouse, we set course to the sandplate Aardappelenbult en because the waves were not as high anymore in the "windshadow" of the sandplate, the Distance was better to control. As a result of the current, changed earlier of direction because of the wind, our progress was not more than 2-3 km/h. Not bad in this wind.
After a small floating-brake, while admiring the surf on the North-side of the sandplate we turned back with a following sea pushing in our back. That is what I am here for today!!
Although at this very moment the wind decreased to "only" 6Bft, the waves wich were pushing us, became as we reached deeper waters, big enough. Avaraging 1 meter and occasionally even reaching 1,5meter.
The Distance, with the skeg fully down, ran the waves quietly requiring a stern rudder now and than and giving confidence because of its stability. I think she behaved quite good at a level most seakayaks do. There are other kayaks performing better under simular conditions but also ones that perform worse. So I am quite satisfied to report that there are no serious troubles with the Distance in a following sea. Not for an experienced paddler!
Paddling the Distance with a foot-controlled rudder, an option for this kayak, could be worse because the rudder will be lifted out of the water now and than, giving wind and/or waves the opportunity to play trics on her.
About surfing the waves I can report that I had to paddle hard to catch a wave with the Distance. She surfed well especially on the biggest waves (which seems logical for a kayak of this length). And when I had a good ride, I reached an admirable speed.
Shorter waves could also be surfed when paddling diagonal at the foot of a wave. The only problem than is you have to paddle even harder to catch the wave. It could well be that my 20 kg load results in a slower accelaration and a havier paddler, used to propel his or her own weigth, can accelerate faster.
One bizarre experience can be mentioned. While surfing a big wave I saw that my wave ran in onto the wave in front, making the distance smaller and the wave steeper and steeper. I also surfed faster and faster burrying the long nose of the kayak further and further into the next wave. At the moment I expected to loop with the kayak I was buried so deep; the nose being approx. 1 m under the surface, that my face slammed against the water. At that moment the surf stopped and the long volumieus nose rose to the surface again giving, surprisingly enough, no stability problems.
Summarizing it can be said that the Skim Distance can be paddled in a following sea requiring little attention to keep course with the paddle-sternrudder. It can also be said that it is not likely that she brings the paddler in uncontrolled surfing because she lets most normal waves pass by when not accelated by the paddler. This is a good characteristic for a seakayak because, when touring, it makes a quiet ride.
Back in the harbour Hans practiced rolling briefly before climbing onto the aftship of the Distance to experience how the kayak performs than. It can be reported that Hans was lies comfortably on the deck almost not touching the water. That was perfect, but dificult it was to change course with Hans being backload. When you are on the proper course the Distance can be paddled, although the stability is somewhat precious.
On my way home the car was much easier to drive on the Haringvlietdam than this morning. In the morning I got a full 8Bft (or more??) on the side of the car while the wind pushed that hard on the kayak that my kayak-rack was bent away for 30° sideways. I had to stop immediately and retension the bands and ropes. Happily enough I had ropes tied from bow and stern of the kayak to the fore- and aftside of the car. If not:......!!
This is a warning to all kayakkers with kayaks on their cars. All of you, who are always looking at me while attaching extra ropes, but thinking that this is not necessary for them!