More Fruit for your Basket
I did say that the Osprey does not track any better than the Wildfire.
Apples.
Kayameds says that’s totally untrue if the paddler has good technique.
Oranges.
I will say that my J-200(18’ Marathon C1) is a hard tracking hull. You gotta work to bring her around.
At the other end of my personal spectrum would be my Outrage (12’ WW OC1). Take your paddle out of the water and she spins.
In between are a whole spectrum of hulls with different characteristics.
IMO the Osprey is a bit closer to the Outrage than it is to the J-200. YMMV
All of the technique in the world won’t change that.
Doesn’t mean you can’t paddle the Osprey straight. But she is a joy to turn.
La Lou canoe Symposium
The canoe symposium mentioned by Ornstein previously is on April 4-6, 08. Details can be found at laloucanoe.com
It’s down in Louisiana and features soft water, warm air, cajun food, and really great canoe instruction all on a private site with full facilities.