Subject: [baidarka] Why unstable? [was: finished!]
From: Peter Chopelas (pac@premier1.net)
Date: Fri Oct 05 2001 - 13:16:39 EDT
Dave Christianson asked:
It seems that the consensus is that the baidarka is inherently unstable. I
can understand why. But why would they choose to do that? Does poor
stability relate directly to easier speed or better handling in waves or
whatever?
I do not think they were inherently Unstable, but they had relaxed or
reduced stability. It was probably because a less stable kayak performed
better in rough conditions. Also the less stable the hull, the more
responsive it is to the paddler's inputs. This is true with all dynamic
systems, before the days of computer augmented control systems for example,
fighter aircraft were less stable and required more training and skill to use
than civilian aircraft. This was required to make them respond faster and
make tighter turns, necessary to take the upper hand in air-to-air combat.
Consider that the native paddlers spent WAY more time in a kayak than even
the most experienced recreational kayaked today. So the high skill is a
given and was not so much the issue, but rather to have the kayak be useful
and responsive in as severe of conditions as possible. This was necessary for
their survival.
To understand this imagine riding a mountain bike down a very rough, rocky
trail. for a skilled rider this is very controllable and enjoyable, you have
to shift your body weight around and make the bike and you respond as one. A
light responsive bike is desirable and a joy to ride. But if you had a heavy
four wheeled biked and attempted the same trail you would get bounced around
and it would be uncontrollable. but the four wheeled bike would be easy to
learn to use on a smooth surface, little balance skill required, but it is not
very responsive to the rider's input.
This is a crude analogy but I think the same principals are involved, a
narrow responsive kayak in the hands of a skilled kayaked is way more
controllable and responsive in heavy seas, and much faster too. I can not say
I have tested this myself since I am not skilled enough to try it, but this
holds true for a lot of dynamic systems in all fields and is consistent with
observations.
If you only went out in calm conditions and speed and distance were only
secondary considerations, then the wide, beamy and stable boats would be
easier and safer to use. But get caught in rough seas, you will not likely
make it back to shore without capsizing. In the far north this meant almost
certain death. So for native kayakers who depended on going out in all
conditions to hunt, the faster more responsive kayaks assisted in their
ability to survive and thrive in such harsh conditions.
Peter
-
Baidarka Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be
reproduced outside Baidarka or Baidarka archives without author's permission
Submissions: baidarka@paddlewise.net
Subscriptions: baidarka-request@paddlewise.net
Searchable archive: http://rtpnet.org/robroy/baidarka
This archive was generated by hypermail 2b27 : Thu Nov 01 2001 - 01:30:02 EST