AI in kayak mode

I've seen a question or two about using the boat in kayak mode, so I thought I'd pass along the results of a good trial run.

The pictures are on the Suwannee River and a tributary, Mill Creek. I peddled up stream for one mile before entering Mill Creek. The current in the river was 1.2 knots, or, at least, that is how fast I drifted down stream when not peddling. Cruising speed was a sustainable pace of three knots. If I were actually in shape for peddling, particularly in a recumbent position, I should be able to maintain that pace for several hours. Down stream, I barely stroked the peddles to maintain that speed - like I said, not in shape.

I own slicker kayaks, particularly a 16' cedar strip river kayak. It is definitely a faster paddling boat that the AI, and I'm sure it would out run the AI, in peddle mode, on a sprint. I would guess they they would be close at cruising speed. The difference is, the AI is way more comfortable, more stable, able to hold more, and more accessible, gear and much easier to get in and out of when landing on a bank or when jumping off for a swim. Anybody want to buy a good cedar strip kayak:)

Ted

We will be peddling the Suwannee this weekend in an AI and a TI both stripped down to the kayak mode. We are putting in at the Suwannee Springs Launch on 129 North of Live Oak and paddling to the Holton Creek River Camp where we'll spend the night. On Sunday we will peddle another 5 miles or so to the take out.

We are going with a kayak meet up group we found on-line. Their web site is http://www.meetup.com/kayakjax/ and it's free to join. We'll be peddling on the Silver River the following Sunday. They are a very friendly group and we felt welcome from the first time we contacted them.

_________________
Jerry D.
St. Johns, Florida
2010 TI
2008 AI

Great Jerry. Those river camps are excellent. You will have a great time. Bring some wood for a fire, they have a nice fire ring and sitting area. I have seen the camp site you are staying at and it is beautiful. The weather is starting to turn and you may see some nice chilly temperatures about 3:00 AM.

Wish I were going along. I have a camp up that way and get up there as often as I can.

Ted

Ted,

Someone in our group heard the water was too low to peddle their Hobie. What do you think?

Second question: when are you coming over to our side of the state?

_________________
Jerry D.
St. Johns, Florida
2010 TI
2008 AI

http://www.srwmd.state.fl.us/realtimeri ... evels.aspx

You won't have any difficulty peddling from where you are entering to where you are taking out - plenty of water. I don't even recall any shoals in that area. If you run across any, just pull your peddle drive and paddle. The major shoals are up river from where you are going in - that would be Big shoals and Little Shoals near White Springs. There are some shoals below Suwannee River State Park, but I think it is clear on your route.

At this level, the rapids are down to a trickle at Big Shoals and the paddling/peddling is slower, but it is even more beautiful and easier to land/camp. The limestone walls and the white sand beaches will be more impressive. You will have about a one mile per hour current helping you and you will be cruising at about three knots with out tiring. You will be wishing you had planned a longer route for more days.

Ted

Jerry, it's nine miles to Holton Creek. You will be taking out at the 249 bridge, another five miles. That will be a very easy peddle. I am almost certain that you will be able to peddle the whole way.

You should plan a trip on the middle section, where there are more and bigger springs, though the section you are doing will not disappoint.

Ted