Alternate Energy
October-November 2001
This is an article from WaveLength Magazine, available in print in North America and globally on the web.
To download a pdf copy of the magazine click here: > DOWNLOAD
by Alan Wilson
When asked why I like paddling, I always come back to the simple act of dipping my paddle in the water and propelling myself forward by my own power.
I love the balance of the double-bladed paddle, the energy of the stroke, the control and finesse of the blade. Breath by breath by breath... stroke by stroke by stroke... powered by a desire to explore distant islands and experience the wonders of the sea. What could be better?
But these days there's a lot more to paddling than this, and much of it has nothing to do with a paddle. You can now sail kayaks, pedal them, even add a propeller! And every year there are ingenious new inventions coming onto the market, expanding the world of paddling.
Sailing
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Trying out my downwind Spirit Sail, Which flexes to spill gusts of wind. |
To give a break to tired arms while paddling a long distance, or for those with mobility deficits, a sail can be a real boon. And if you've got a sailboat background, like I have, then you've no doubt pondered how you could hoist a sail and tap into the power of the wind.
In fact, kayak sailing has been around for a long time. Dr. Lindemann helped to put kayak sailing on the 'map' when he sailed his Klepper across the Atlantic Ocean in 1956.
I have experimented with a variety of rigs, from a primitive square sail/sponson combination, to a jury-rigged tarp & paddle square sail (which drove a raft of eight of us along in gale force winds in Clayoquot Sound), to a sloop-rigged double kayak with a jib, and even a futuristic trimaran with centerboard-capable of sailing to windward.
In the end I bought an inexpensive V-sail from Primex which was good for downwinding and didn't require a hole in my deck. More recently I bought a Spirit Sail which has some good features, notably a hands free, 'no strings attached' approach, and I've enjoyed zooming across the bay with it. Now Laurie and I can go sailing together and I expect, on a long passage, the sails will be a major assist when the wind is right.
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The improbable wingsail makes upwind sailing possible. |
It seems like the idea is catching on. As we were working on this issue, we noticed sails popping up everywhere, from Chesapeake Light Craft's new SailRig, to the multitude of sailing options available through Easy Rider, including a variety of ways to create multi-hulls.
Recently we stumbled upon a really unique sailrig, a wingsail, which has both downwind and upwind sailing capabilities (and a driving force more than double the power of a conventional sail rig, according to the designer). This clever creation is constructed of
two sailcloth panels sandwiching a light internal structure which maintains thickness, giving the wingsail its asymmetical aeordynamic
shape, without destabilizing the boat. The patented rig is quick to erect and easy to stow. The designer welcomes enquiries from
manufacturers. Visit www.wingsails.com
From square rigs, to spinnakers, to V-sails, to sloop rigs, wingsails, even parasail kites... sailing is definitely firmly ensconced in the present and the future of paddling. It's easy and inexpensive to convert your paddlecraft into a sailboat and add a whole new dimension to your paddling pleasure.
However, there are risks involved and we strongly recommend you get proper instruction, start in light airs and summer conditions,
proceeding only when experienced. And be sure to wear your lifejacket!
Pedalling
Wind isn't the only 'alternate energy' source out there. Pedal power is another way to go.
My first experience with pedal power was many years ago trying a one-of-a-kind pedal boat built by oceanographer Greg Holloway. Seated in a recumbent posture, legs pumping away, I was amazed at the speed I attained. Greg, in fact, used his pedalcraft to commute between islands to work.
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Hobie offers your arms a break and a workout for your legs. Photo: Alan Wilson |
More recently I had a chance to try out a new recreational pedal kayak marketed by Hobie Kayaks (known for the famous Hobie Cat sailing catamaran). I was at first surprised, then impressed, by the unique drive system, a pair of flexible rubber flippers or fins, which move back and forth below your boat as you pedal, the trailing edges of the fins pushing the water back and you forward. For price, simplicity, and clever engineering, it's hard to beat.
The Hobie Mirage is an open cockpit boat with a slot into which the drive system fits. Because your feet are occupied, you steer with a small lever on the side of the boat. I found I was able to kick up quite a bow wake as I pedaled along. This is definitely the answer for paddlers who feel they are neglecting their legs-and it might
entice even more cyclists onto the water!
I've also seen a variety of water-bike devices employing various drive systems, which I haven't yet tried. Beyond these there are other new and intriguing alternate propulsion devices available, such as electric-powered propeller systems like the LPW system (see Great Gear). For those with limited limb function, or perhaps those who like to fish from a kayak, this is a useful development.