The Aries 155 is rapidly becoming my favourite kayak. Its versatility gives it appeal to experts in the surf and for those that like paddle sailing, it is unsurpassed by any of the kayaks I have tried. It is also good for beginners, though I should point out that this is my own opinion and I have no coaching qualifications. I am aware that some coaches think the Delphin and Aries are not suitable for beginners.
Anyway David is 74 years old and this is his first kayak lesson. His only previous experience in a canoe was 50 years ago and lasted for 15 minutes until he fell out. He soon mastered turning and bracing using the paddle alone and within 20 minutes of being on the water had the sail up. He soon had the hang of threading through the gaps between old salmon net poles.
Then he moved on to close reaching and...
broad reaching. He even managed an occasional plane in the small waves. In all he covered 6km in his first lesson.
Not only is the Aries a great kayak for beginners, this also demonstrates how accessible paddle sailing is with the Flat Earth kayak sail.
Quite remarkable....
I think the reason a coach wouldn't want to teach beginners in an Aries/Delphin is because it makes a lot of the basic turning strokes too easy. I'd imagine anyone learning the basics on one of these boats would be in for a shock if and when they moved to a more traditional hull.
ReplyDeleteYou have hit the nail on the head exactly.
DeleteThat is the argument used by several coaches that I have hear discussing the Delphin Aries. However if someone who has learned the basics in a Delphin Aries finds it a shock to move to a long traditional sea kayak, how will a complete newcomer feel in one? How many newcomers get put off after their first lesson in one?
Windsurfing coaches used to use the same argument about learning to windsurf on long narrow unmaneuverable boards. Now beginners start on short wide manoeuvrable boards.
Now that's what I call a review - exactly suited to my attention span, and telling you all you need to know before giving it a try.
ReplyDeleteark R
Thanks Mark.
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