Mr. Spade, I would be curious as to which races you have entered in open competition, paddling a Nimbus Telkwa? I once tested a Telkwa and found it to be very comfortable, reasonably responsive (for an entry level touring boat), extremely stable and fairly efficient (again, for a high volume, entry level touring boat). Personally, I would not consider using a Telkwa for either racing or even where performance is sought in touring. With all due respect, "How many strokes per second?" and most everything else for that matter. I hope that the poor guy that sought advice recognizes the " Are they some sort of industrial fresh water club (cannary ponds, pulp tanks or worse)? If so and I make it over to the Puget Sound I will try to look you up. Schell