: So I’m watching the Olympics today and Bob Costas announces flat water canoe
: and kayak racing. YES! First the kayaks raced. Or were they kayaks? And
: the canoes, well, I don’t know. I’ve never seen canoes paddled in a
: marriage proposal kneeling position before. The whole thing was completely
: foreign to me.
: And where’s the wood strip kayaks. That’s what the Olympics needs, wood strip
: kayaks and canoes. Guess I’m just a romantic at heart, but 1/8” thick
: strips sandwiched between 2-4 oz glass would have added a whole lot to the
: overly technological Sydney Olympics.

Hi Roger,

My wife surpised me a few weeks ago with tickets to the Olympic kayak sprint finals (we live in Sydney). Well, we went the other day and I was hoping to see at least one wooden boat, but if any were there, they didn't make it to the finals :-(

Damn, those guys were FAST! The medal presentations took way longer than the races!

I thought the canoe sprints were a bit strange, a very odd paddling position and they didn't get anywhere near the times that the kayakers got. Maybe if they got a decent paddle and sat down they might go faster...*G*

I did notice that the guys in the canoes only paddled on one side of the boat, They didn't have any trouble going in a straight line, how they manage this, I have no idea...Maybe something to do with hull shape?

Overall, the Olympics were a great experience, but I'm kinda glad they're over.

Paul.