Just wondering
why some of you didn’t test the kayak out before purchasing it?
I agree
I only brought up the Anas Acuta because I’m sure for some it does as well as the Nordcapp LV does for others in the exact same conditions even though its’ design principle goes at it with flat surfaces, hard chine and distinct edges while the Nordkapp obviously is smooth and round. Different ideas for the same final objective. Having paddled neither boat and not a skilled paddler, for me the finite differences revolves much more around what I can and can not do versus what the boat can and can not do.
to a great extent
– Last Updated: Dec-13-09 8:36 PM EST –
that's true.. and I would consider the AA, Xcite, and Alaw more as rough water play boats.. while the NLV is more of an expedition kayak that also is a good day boat.. and Xcite is more of a direct competition to the Alaw and Explorer than the NLV.. the hard chine is like a built in rudder but as Roy said it's also a flat area that is going to catch some water..
Bowler said he mostly surfs and the Explorer is a better choice for him and I have no problem with that. I also haven't paddled a Xcite so I can't offer any real experience there except that it's more of a rough water play boat.
PS.. this could turn into a long discussion about how each kayak performs in each different situation, hard vs. soft chine, rocker vs. no rocker, but that's getting into too much info that kind of misses the point of intended use.
95
I’ve heard that the Pintail was changed in '95.
Mine is also a '95 and it is the old style, with the flat deck and round sides.
It truly is unflappable in waves from all directions.
The old style is still available
You can special order it from VSK. It would be great to have the old design in one of their new layups!
Having paddled neither boat…
– Last Updated: Dec-14-09 12:06 PM EST –
"Having paddled neither boat and not a skilled paddler..."
Then the best thing you can do is get in an array of good boats and see how they feel for you. Taking some lessons and working with coaches is also a plus for expanding your skills and experience. I see from your profile that you are in the Northeast. There are winter pool sessions scheduled within reach of most regions of the Northeast. It is hard to beat warm water for learnng and practicing skills.
I have found the best boats for learning are ones that reward good technique but provide some forgiveness when not doing things perfectly - an Xcite would be such a boat. A Nordkapp LV not. YMMV.
The Romany was very much designed to be a schooling boat and the Tempest 165 performs very well as such as well.
Test before purchase?
I for one did and then paddled about a dozen times in all types of conditions before realizing that the Nordlow wasn’t for me. Selecting the right kayak can be similar to the experience of buying a new couch. You sit in several in the store maybe for as long as 15minutes. Then you have it delivered and the first time you spend 2 or 3 hours in it you have trouble standing upright because your back goes out. And don’t get me started on how hard it is to roll the new couch!
Wow…
Amazes me how people get so abrasive on this site…compensation…probably.
So let me explain my comment above since it was so harshly put down with along with personal insult.
My point is much the same as Jims…an expert paddler can paddle any boat and not just tend toward the hardest one to paddle in order to prove he is an expert. Just becuase a boat is not tippy to the average paddler (ndk and others) does not mean it is a Pungo and that the expert paddler can’t milk every bit of performance out of the boat.
And as far as my observation about expert paddlers paddling NDKs…sorry…was not talking about myself Roy…no need for that comment whatsoever.
I am only stating my personal observation from having paddled with some very skilled paddlers at symposia and otherwise. The vast majority (90%) are paddling NDKs. Maybe because they get them for free…does not matter why. Just that they are paddling them and therefore a confidence inspring boat is not just for beginners. Does that make sense?
Sorry if someone misunderstood my post.
That was my point. NDK boats may be confidence inpspiring but that does not make them beginners boats.
Are they better than all the rest? Nope…never ever said that. Did I…
And I agree with Jim about expert paddlers he mentioned above who do not paddle NDKs and I knew that about all of them too which is why I said the vast majority (and not all) of the expert paddlers I know of paddle NDKs. True statement.
Maybe I just don’t know enough expert paddlers. I don’t care. Just stating my personal observation.
Sorry I even opened my mouth.
This site is starting to really starting to irritate me with all the folks who just feel a need to take shots at others.
Matt
Agreed…
– Last Updated: Dec-14-09 9:34 PM EST –
"This site is starting to really starting to irritate me with all the folks who just feel a need to take shots at others."
Matt, I couldn't have stated it better.
For many years p.net was a friendly place to exchange various paddling ideas, but the Advice/Paddling boards have changed substantial other the last two years or so. At times it seems as if the bread-and-butter boards have morphed into adjuncts to the "Bicker and Banter" forum: hijacked threads, one-ups-man-ship, name calling, and plain rudeness.
Eventually someone will step in an proclaim "this is what you get with open, unmoderated boards". Maybe, but p.net operated for many years without this sort of contentiousness.
Just my two cents.
misunderstood
my post…I added to it so it read the way I ment it…didn’t believe that my leaving out a comma would matter:)
it was not a personal attack, it was a pointing out the addition to the statement which would actually make it true
Best Wishes
Roy
only 11 more posts to go!
to the coveted century mark! nord-kapp, nord- kapp, nord- kapp
maybe the weather…
– Last Updated: Dec-15-09 12:27 AM EST –
Matt, I'm sure Steve and John were paddling their Explorers when you first encountered them as they were when I first met them when they were both at MIKCo.
I mentioned the 'expert' paddlers I did because they used to paddle NDK boats. My naming those names was a way of reinforcing that 'expert' paddlers very often paddle whatever boats they're given.
The first 'expert' paddler I met who was paddling NDK was Tom Bergh - who used to paddle a Nordkapp. Even Nigel Dennis used to paddle a Nordkapp.
And though I love my Nordlow - I'm NEVER giving up my Romany ;-)
Nigel Denis said it himself
when Nigel Denis was interviewed by Simon Willis - He had a Kayak guiding and instruction business and was buying all his boats from Valley. One day he decided to just start making the boats himself and save a lot of money. So he designed a boat that would be great for his guides - the NDK Explorer.
93?
With all the vigorous discussion about the Nordkapp LV I think the whole topic has drifted rather far from the intent of the original post so here goes my attempt to redirect.
There are several very colourful reviews and write ups about the Nordkapp LV from some very competent paddlers which I have really enjoyed reading. But I think the most straightforward review is the one by Sea Kayaker Magazine in the June 2006 issue.
Though it is bland and decidedly unsexy as far as reviews go I find that it closely mirrors my experience with the boat to date and would be a good reference devoid of passion inflaming sexy beach/surf pictures.
Also there are many good observations and comments hidden in this thread if you can read between the Pungo/Romany/Etal, digressions (though the Xtra Normal movies are a bit funny in a snarky way).
So…
Is the Nordkapp LV the easiest boat to paddle? No!
Is a Romany/Explorer an easier more confidence inspiring boat (while still being popular with loads of pro/experts)? Certainly sounds like it.
Do some Nordkapp paddlers love their boats very much and get sick of people ranting on about stability profiles, NDK’s, etc?
Very much so, possibly to the point of irate attacks on those bleating on about said stability profiles and NDK’s.
Instead of spending your days “e-Kayaking” if you are in the Charleston area drop by Folly and come on out to play. You might be in for a surprise and if you are nice (and have a solid roll) I might even let you try out the widow-maker in the conditions it was designed to shine in.
Till then, some of us really do quite happily paddle these boats in big ugly water. In my case singing silly songs to myself and grinning like a cheshire cat (when not snapping picture and eating cliff bars).
Have a great paddle whatever you paddle.
Not quite the story…
Nigel was using Pintails from Valley. He couldn’t afford to continue acquiring Valley boats for his centre and he thought the boat could be improved.
He got together with a boat designer he knew (Aled Williams) and starting with a Pintail mold they developed their own model, which Nigel named for his daughter - Romany. It became the primary boat for use at Nigel’s centre. Early Romanys bore tags acknowledging the design partnership.
Shortly thereafter, the Explorer (officially Romany Explorer) was developed from the Romany.
Sequin
– Last Updated: Dec-15-09 8:14 AM EST –
http://www.woodenboatstore.com/1710-Seguin-Kayak/productinfo/400-111/
And another MIKO Guide uses this hard chine boat that he built. It is his only boat I believe.
“Widow maker”?
If you mean the Nordlow, I guess I should get Jim to sell his… like that’s gonna happen. 
if Nordkapp LV is Nordlow then what is
Nordkapp H20 ? a Nordhigh?
Nigel still has his Nordkapp
hanging in his office. They are all fine boats. What is important is that they go places regularly.
NordWet -
Seriously, I did get some good info from a lot of folks here. Thanks! Surprised that the topic again generated such a heated discussion though -