Claire and Gary Gignac, and Their New W500 Kayak – Ontario, Canada
Both my husband Gary and I enjoyed the W kayak very much.
I had a hip injury a few years ago and as a result, certain sitting positions have proven difficult. When I used the kayak, it was surprisingly a very comfortable kayak. Sitting in it wasn’t difficult since I was able to move my leg by extending it, bending it and standing when needed.
Overall, quite comfortable. I am not a big person, 120 lbs, and managed to travel down our lake with ease.
When Gary used it, he found it easy to paddle. Getting it in and out of the water proved easy enough. I think we both will enjoy it for years to come.
As for problems, none with the W kayak – only with my techniques. Tend to travel to the left but I’m sure with experience, I will be able to paddle straight.
It was better than I thought it would be.
Claire Gignac
Tags: canada, hip, kayak ergonomics, kayak review, leg pain, ontario, paddling standing, standup paddling
September 26th, 2009 at
The best way to learn how to track is by fixing your sight on a point in the direction where you want to go, but far enough from your boat, and just paddle on without looking at the paddle or at anything else but that point and the tip of your W kayak hulls.
If the point is between them you’re on track, and if it moves towards one of the tips you know immediately what to do, without even thinking about it.
After you practice this technique long enough tracking becomes a second nature.
QS
September 26th, 2009 at
Q.S. is right, and it’s also good to allow for more flex in your paddling movement, so the directional correction can be done by the body itself, without you having to plan it consciously.
With the W you can do some J strokes (turn the paddle blade outward at the end of the stroke, to help correct the turning effect), and that can be helpful too, once you learn it.
April
September 26th, 2009 at
Hey, this blog is beginning to sound like one of those sea kayakers’ forums
September 26th, 2009 at
Well, some people just enjoy paddling this boat without necessarily fishing from it, and it looks like some may even enjoy driving a motorized version of it just for fun
Pez
September 26th, 2009 at
I have actually seen folks on the water in many types of boats and not a fishing rod or tackle to be found on board. Seems strange to me but paddling and just enjoying the trip is certainly a fine way to spend a day too. The W tracks far better than mono style boats even those with a rudder. If the paddler just thinks of taking a stroll across the water it’s an effortless journey only limited by the time one has to spend. The W allows you to see much more of the things you might encounter and if you are in clear water with good polorized sun glasses the vantage point of a Wavewalk is a wonderful thing.
September 27th, 2009 at
Congrats on the New W500.
As you get accustomed to your W500, you’ll find your tracking will improve.
Most likely, your putting more weight to one side and not even realizing it
while paddling.
The best bonus of all with the W’s, if you get uncomfortable during your paddle, you can change positions with ease, and the best part, standing.
I spend a lot of time standing and fishing, and standing and paddling.
Good Luck and paddle safe, we can’t wait to hear more.
Tight lines All, and Happy Paddling!
Rox