I was discussing kayaks with an x-kayaker and he mentioned tests that were conducted in Norway of various kayak designs. Apparently the best design was an Arctic [Eskimo] kayak, years of evolution beat out the 'max-surfs'. Has anyone heard of these tests, what the criteria were, and which kayak design came out on top? Also, I would like to know what a 'fish-form' is. What distinguishes it and what is it good for? My last question has to do with the hi-volume [bulbous] bow of the Greenlander. One site mentioned that the high volume bow made the kayak more sea worthy. I can see that coming down off a wave the bow would help prevent the kayak from nose-diving but wouldn't it also
prevent the bow from slicing through the crest of a wave the way most commercial yaks seem designed to do? Or maybe the designs can be combined? Or maybe the Eskimo needed the hi-volume bow to pack home all those seals? What do you think? [ps. thanks to Mike and Bill for the feedback, you helped get my yak one step closer to the water, now is that going to be 9oz or 13oz poly hmmm.]mark