In a standing position, the water exerts little pressure upon the sides of the hull. Once you get going, the pressure builds on either side and creates the sense of inscreased stability, which of course, there is. Slow down, lessen the water pressure on the sides of the hull and you are back to square one: a tippy craft. While I was waiting for the starter's gun during the World Masters Games back in 2005, I tipped over and swam. I got back in and, once the race started, did just fine as the kayak became more stable even though I was racing downstream. Paddling upstream provided for even better stability.

Robert N Pruden