Happy paddler

5.3mph and wasn’t trying. Whoa!!! You can tell by my moving average that I am out here just piddling ’round, not pushing things. Only, I am pushing things, just not the speed. More like edges and along with paddle moves I haven’t been able to play with i. Other boats: even BlueJean,,

In a word; spritely. She’s very mch alive in water. Acts much like BJ but a little more coltish. She is 1″ narrower in beam,same length, and the cockpit is more forward, so I expected a little more lively feel. Yeah, 1″ makes huge differences in kayaks. But she is so confidence inspriring at the same time. Not as demanding of attention as Lizzy, but not quite the ‘rock of Gibraltar’ that BJ feels like either; somewhere in the middle. Takes waves smoothly, but you know they are there, no matter if its bow/stern on or abeam: she responds to them. Lizzy takes bow and stern waves as if they didn’t exist if they aren’t taller than she is. BJ; much the same. Lyssa notes ’em, rides ’em and giggles about it.

Powering up, digging in, she scoots! And just like BJ, when ya let up, she’s wanting to swap ends. Drop that skeg to midpoint and she lines right back up. Noted 1/3 keeps her in line on beam breezes. And when that skeg drops full, she begins responding like a much longer boat; wants to run straight even on edge. A very aggressive skeg, but thats a good thing when you really need it.

Downside: found a leak in the cockpit. (More like a weep) Hairline crack in the gel I hadn’t seen, is below waterline, and through into the glass. I can see water damage in the glass, so it’s been there awhile. Easy fix for me since it’s in the white gelcoat, not the red decking. And I have glass and resin for the inside.

But, leak or no leak, we are getting back on water and playing a bt more. Temps are on the rise, though clouds are scheduled to break until later today. And this lake is flipping empty of people right now. More later y’all,,,,