I have read the Article Posted by Mr Loots.
Firstly it appears (to me) that if the writer truly intended to enter into an objective discourse on the relative pros and cons of sit - in versus sit - on sea kayaks then he ought not to have elected to include a direct reference to a product which he manufactures. Instead of promoting an objective discussion he has regretfully debased his contribution. It always seems to me that one who purports to present an objective argument without considering both sides entertains an agenda. As an attorney I am familiar with this concept – after all we always argue from one point of view – our clients. We however do so transparently and not under the guise of objectivity. Had Mr Loots not subsequently tried to defend his position with his purile acceptance of responsibility for the safety of all kayakers he may perhaps have been mistaken for an Attorney and been forgiven for his sins. After all - even I have friends.
That the argument has, in my opinion, some merit, makes the transgression of the writer that much sadder.
As a paddler, admittedly not as experienced as Mr. Loots, I use 2 Kayaks. One is a sit – on – top and one a sit – inside. The first is manufactured by a well known New Zealand outfit and the second by a local manufacturer. The sit-inside is affectionately referred to by my fellow paddlers as “that Tupperware Tub”. The second is revered as a constant threat to all those who harbour any hope of winning in a well known winter Sea Kayak race series. (For some inexplicable reason it has not yet lived up to its reputation).
Both craft deliver substantial enjoyment. The former has no hope that it will ever present its ass to the air except when followed by a six metre following shorebreak by which time one’s own personal safety pales into insignificance next to the untimely demise of bathers and surfers met along the way (a flag is hoisted on the beach when it approaches). However, in seriousness, I have come off it in a fairly strong following South Easter in the open water when its lack of controllability in a sudden broach caused me to… fly off the darn thing, landing some two metres away from it. The palpable lack of control for the more experienced Sea Kayaker is significant. I have experienced a similar deficiency in control in the hybrid version of my all conquering sit - inside. Bottom line - the centre of gravity is too high and you cannot brace the knees sufficiently. I have never paddled the version paddled (peddled) by Mr Loots and so I cannot, in all fairness, say whether these are universal problems. One of my regular paddling mates however uses one and I wonder whether he would express an opinion?
You would also have to have the dexterity of a brick not to be able to climb back on to my Per..(oops) … sit on top. It is truly sublime off a place like Cape Point where it affords one the time and opportunity to admire all the local wildlife.
The sit - inside is a completely different kettle of fish . In large open - sea swells it begins to take on the guise of the infamous s(h)it inside. However having ventured into such places with paddlers in even less stable makes I am convinced that this is more a product of my own incompetence/lack of confidence than that of the boat itself. It is fast, highly controllable and encourages and facilitates improvement in all round paddling skills.
I am however mindful, and this, finally, is my point: that most of us do not practice recovery and mounting techniques, to say nothing of learning to roll, adequately. Those rare and talented creatures who can roll venture confidently into places where most of us only have nightmares about. They are always bloody good paddlers as well. Of my regular group only 2 or 3 can roll properly. Is that a good thing?
In closing May I proffer 2 pearls of wisdom to Mr. Loots:
1) It is, in my respectful opinion, unacceptable that you did not discuss the incident in Struisbaai with the person involved. Had you done so you may have felt compelled to address the issue somewhat differently. The person is a member of my regular paddling group and I have detailed knowledge of the incident. The incident was not near fatal and the fact the she was outside her Kayak at some point had nothing whatsoever to do with her boat.
2) Next time you wish to embark on disengenuious journalism (I assume it is journalism?) – give me a call. I will help you (in my professional capacity of course) to write the article.
Paul Weber
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