My "wind-up" was not really intended to offend anyone but rather to make the observation that perhaps the answer to the question of whether to use or not use stabilisers/waterwings/outriggers or whatever you want to call them is sometimes a bit of a state of mind thing. I read about lots of people using them but I can't really quite understand why.
If people were falling out of these kayaks like lemmings falling over a cliff they would have been banned years ago... so that isn't happening!
And judging by the photos I have seen on this forum many people are using their boats on very calm waterways.
Yet so many people are still using outriggers and I can't quite see why.
Judging by the way some of those boats are loaded up with gear in the photos that I have seen, perhaps it has to do with them being considerably more top heavy than my lightly-loaded craft...
Maybe there are mitigating personal/environmental circumstances...
And I am sure that everyone who does/doesn't use them will be able to provide ample justification for their decision and fair enough, it is their decision not anybody else's...
...so each to their own I guess (but personally I reckon the boats are a lot better without, so why not try without first before assuming that they are needed?!)
With due deference to my elders and betters, while I am not going to reveal my age on this forum, for the record I am no spring chicken either I assure you