Hey Greg,

You may be in the minority, but your performance in a small cockpit Greenland boat speaks for itself. I figure a larger cockpit with an implosion bar would do as well to keep a breaking wave out, but I didn't ever think about keeping the kayaker in.

'Nuff said--I take back my comments intimating that keyhole cockpits are for everyone!

Shawn

: Shawn,

: Although my opinion seems to be the minority view, I also prefer small
: cockpits and do not care for the popular "keyhole" cockpits for
: seakayaking. For whitewater, especially in technical, rocky creeks, I do
: prefer keyhole cockpits to increase the safety margin in case of a pin.

: While ocean surfing, I have been nearly ejected from the cockpit on several
: occasions in a keyhole, if a knee slips off of the thigh brace while you
: are being trashed (I learned to avoid putting sunscreen on my legs) it is
: very easy to dislodge the skirt or even unintentionally exit the boat.
: This is not an issue with a small cockpit. Also with a small, Greenland
: style cockpit, you have the freedom to shift and vary your contact with
: the masik (thigh brace) from the center to the sides and to any point
: in-between. Likewise if you have foot support that spans the width of the
: hull, you can vary your foot position in a similar fashion and thus aren't
: locked into a single bracing position. This adds comfort, especially on
: long trips.

: I can see the value of a keyhole in hot climates, or if you perform seal
: landings and need to spring from the cockpit, or if you need to raise your
: knees to avoid cramping during many hours in the saddle. Getting in and
: out of a tight cockpit does take a little more skill and effort but it is
: quite manageable on a true Greenland kayak since you have rigid leather
: decklines that allow you to get a firm grasp on the foredeck as you step
: in/out of your kayak, a feat that is more difficult with wimpy, elastic
: decklines.

: All in all I prefer to have the smallest cockpit opening that I can squeeze
: into and also the smallest hatch openings possible (or no hatches at all).
: What else would you expect from a minimalist? ;^) As always, your milage
: may vary.

: Greg Stamer