Janaki

I guess the search is never ending and "different boats for different strokes" (to completely distort a popular expression) but I have ordered a Cat 3 HV which should be here in a few weeks. Borrowed one from Charles River Kayaks for the overnight trip to Jewell Island and I was very comfortable paddling it. Still not super efficient into the 15 kt headwind but I think I have other issues there besides the boat. I like the idea of the Greenland paddle, we were already considering them as spares after Peter's demo tossing away his paddle, and rolling by retrieving the Greenland spare from his foredeck. that makes so much sense. If it helps reduce fatigue while paddling then it may well become my primary paddle. I do have a light weight Werner Cyprus now and I'm conscious of it against the wind especially on a day like last Saturday. I must add that I haven't had so much fun with my plastic Avocet as last Tuesday evening in the surf when I first really appreciated its maneuverability and robustness. Definitely going to keep it. Janaki

Tried out a Force Cat 3 tonight, thanks - Gail and Ed - fit like a very expensive shoe and felt great, so even though it's 2 inches lower on the front deck than the Avocet, if proves you can't just go by the numbers. I may have found my boat. thanks again to everyone for the input. Janaki