Updated Intro (was Impressions on paddling a double ...)

[terryalford]

Hi all,
My name is Terry. I had little personal experience with any type of kayaking until a dramatic increase in interest after I happened across Ralph Diaz’s “The Complete Folding Kayaker” in a bookstore (probably sometime in 1999). After a bit of research, including a subscription to Ralph’s newsletter, I purchased an early 1990’s Klepper Aerius 1 through Long Haul Folding Kayaks via the internet. Shortly thereafter, I paddled it on a nearly month-long trip from Montreal to NYC via various rivers, canals, and Lake Champlain (see a partial account at http://www.hrwa.org under Reports and Articles). I also acquired a pre-owned Klepper 2000 that I took to Japan on a 2-week business trip several years ago and paddled around on some canals in downtown Tokyo, as well as surprisingly tropical-like Tokyo Bay. Following retirement, I now am considering the possibility of some multi-week (multi-month?) kayaking trips. Perhaps from the headwaters of the Connecticut River to the Atlantic, or Lake Champlain to the Atlantic via the St. Lawrence, or New England to Florida via the ICW, or Seattle/Vancouver to Alaska via the Inland Passage, or something of that ilk. (Obviously, not very definite yet!)

I've edited out the earlier text here that inquired about experiences in paddling an Aerius-2 solo (that inquiry is now located under the Klepper forum). Also, as an update, I just purchased a 1995 Aerius-2 through Long Haul and hopefully will be able to report my own solo-mode perceptions later on. I'm also in the process of investigating possible use of a Balogh Batwing with BOSS sailing rig and/or perhaps an Alden Oarmaster (for rowing).

[Guest]

Paddling an A2 solo is very do-able, but I wouldn't bother to go from an A1 to an A2 for solo paddling. The A2 is like driving a truck... alone. It's OK, but it's no sports car.

[chrstjrn]

Sorry-- the last post was me. This discussion should be under "Klepper", not intros.

[john allsop]

paddling a double is o,k if you are not in a hurry I,ve paddled one for 30 years, it will get you there. as regards sails have a good look at pacific action sails from new zealand. they also have a dealer in canada who also sends the sail to US destinations, he is greg at http://www.tundrasails.ca

[gregn]

Not every double is a dog. Try Klondike by Feathercraft. Dream to paddle as a double, excellent in a single mode.

Now, if I were a designer for Feathercraft and started working on Klondike from scratch, I would keep the length as is (17'10"), reduce the beam to 30" from 31", reduce the depth by 1" to reduce total volume by about 15%. That would truly become a single/double folder without the questionable as is tripple idea.

In any case present design Klondike is a pleasure!