I may have raced the Nimbus Telkwa extensively and if I had, I might have found that it was plenty fast for open class competition. What type of stokes are you using? How many per second? Do you sit upright or crouched? Scrunched up or loose? Shoulders relaxed or knotted? I am assuming you are using a two bladed conventinal paddle--maybe a Nimbus model. If so, have you considered making your own paddle from a block of cedar? It's better than fir or hemlock. Breakfast is important, too. Do you like breakfast? I like breakfast.

Are you from the northwest. If so, check out the Sea Squirrels organization. Not too many people have heard of them. They might have some good tips regarding foraging and storage during racing.

Hope this helps. Good luck.

> After racing in this years Ski To Sea festival in my Nimbus Telkwa
> HV (I love this boat for touring), I am inspired to build a fast,
> recreational racing kayak that can also double as a decent day paddle/weekend
> tour boat. Boats that I am currently considering are the Guillemot
> by Nick Schade, The Coho and Osprey HP both by Pygmy or just biting
> the bullet purchasing the new Eddyline Falcon 18 which seems to, performance
> wise have what I'm looking for. Are any of these boats (or others
> that you can recommend) as fast as something like the Falcon 18? I've
> never built a boat but have alot of tools and am reasonably competent
> as a wood worker. If this matters: 6'4", 210 lbs, size 12/13
> shoe.