: Interesting page from Epic:

: http://www.epickayaks.com/news/news/want-rocker-think-again

: Seems to make sense. Comments?

: --S

Perhaps the “extended bows” on Inuit kayaks is to prevent running under sheet ice - which is very hard to see when awash. It may provide more righting moment when heeled - the Inuit do not roll for fun IMHO.

Also, from personal experience I can vouch for the nasty surprise that running up onto ice can provide: my plumb-bowed boat rose up on the ice suddenly and immediately lost stability. An “extended bow” would provide a more gradual transition and earlier warning. Not many kayakers run the ice I suspect, after that scare I don’t any more.

I have always preferred a bow that will drive into a wave, with the water knocked off the deck by the coaming. The “extended bows” is mostly for looks IMHO. Pretty much what was written in the article.

When comparing kayaks styles from different areas, wave types and patterns should be taken into account; waves are closer and steeper in shoal waters. Boat usage is also important: surf kayaks and retrieval kayaks are quite different from hunting kayaks.