I finally managed to get the RP Sport seaworthy enough to take it out for its first water trial. This kayak is a Chris Ostiland design that was provided to to over a year ago when I posted a message asking for plans for an ice-runner capable kayak that could turn quickly. Chris and Glen Smith both provided me with plans. Chris' design was for a S&G while Glen's was for stripper. I built Chris' first because of my experience in building S&G'ers. I do have the forms cut and shaped for Glen's design and will be working on it during the winter. I'll be stripping my low deck Night Heron and Glen's design at the same time.

I asked Chris for a flat bottom design so that when I run the kayak over the ice pans of the North Saskatchewan River, the RP Sport wouldn't be tippy. When I launched the RP onto the waters of Islet Lake yesterday, I discovered that it had no primary stability but lots of secondary stability. This caused me to have to adapt my balance considerably in order to stay in the kayak. After about an hour of paddling, I was running the RP around with ease and good balance. I can crank a turn around a dime with the RP and managed to paddle it into some very tight areas that I have not been able to get into while paddling the VJ. I did discover that my paddle is way too long for the RP so I will have to build a special shorter paddle for it.

Sadly, my carbon fibre paddle (Turbo) was stolen recently. The idiot who stole it forgot to take both blades but did make off with the loom and one blade. The VJ was also vandalized but not in any very damaging manner. That paddle would have been perfect for the RP Sport. I will order a new Turbo paddle when I get the $$$ to do so.

I purchased a riser and coaming from Waters Dancing and should have it installed within the next two weeks. I am also lining the leading and trailing edges of the hull with brass stem bands to eliminate damage from ice running. The bottom (interior) of the hull will also be covered with kevlar for the same reasons. The bottom exterior will be coated with graphite/cabosil, again, within two weeks.

Robert N Pruden