Freestyle canoeing???

[Mtngal]

Oops, .........mas(k)ochists

[Mtngal]

Debo, how is your boat on class 2 & 3 water? I'm kind of looking for a canoe that will do double duty for occasional camping, but will handle the Piney, Mulberry, upper Buff, etc. too.

[DeBo]

If you want to do some classII with your boat, I would recommend the Wenonah Argosy. It handles like a freestyle canoe but has higher sides and bow which keeps it drier if you go through a few waves.

I have paddled my Sandpiper on all the streams that you mentioned but it does tend to tak on water. I have also camped for five days out of the Sandpiper.

[lbaker]

Hey Debo,
What are the chances of freestyle being offered again at Rendevous? Looks like at least a few would partake. I agree heartily that FS skills help improve overall paddling skills.
When I got interested in FS a couple of years ago, they had just stopped having the FS Symposium in Mandeville, LA which is as close a venue as I have found.
Leigh

[DeBo]

They guys who did the clinic at Rendezvous were from LA. Our board meeting is coming up soon and I will try to find out if they are still around and suggest that we get someone to do it again this year. That would be great!

[Dave Thomas]

If you're wanting to do something fun on the water, I have a set of large and small canoe jousting lances on loan from some TVCC, Tennessee Valley Canoe Club, members. The ends of these lances are different than traditional lances. They have approximately an 8x8x18 piece of foam on the business end. Basically, it's a whitewater canoe saddle cut down. This makes for slower maneuvering but a much softer land. Interested in getting some folks together, let me know.

[Richard]

Back on topic . . .

Wenonah Argosy. It handles like a freestyle canoe

My understanding of freestyle is that there are two types. Flatwater and whitewater. If we are talking about flatwater, I would think the Argosy would be at a disadvantage because of its asymmetrical shape. As for whitewater, in the right hands it can do more than I will be able to get it to do.

Note that Dave is using a bent shaft paddle on the St. Francis. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1DOHY1yyLBs" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Mtngal]

Flatwater freestyle it is. I'm slightly handicapped by having a rec yak at this time. If the seat would come out and go back in right (already took it out to get rid of the ant colony living in it and had a bolt or 2 left over), I'd try it that way. Guess I gotta knuckle down and save my pennies for a solo boat . Appreciate all the input and info.