09/13/2024
My rides this week. Ironically my times for a 5K were about the same. (5 seconds difference). The 1st boat is a 1st generation 2012 V10 sport Elite layup. The 2nd is the new V5 tourer in the Performance layup.
It was my first time paddling both of them hard. What should you take away from this? 1. The paddler is responsible for speed and stability.
2. 1st time in any boat probably won't be your best time.
3. If you are not able or willing to put time, effort and thought into learning how to paddle a sub 19 inch boat, you will be frustrated and likely slower in it than a 23.2 inch x 15 foot long boat.
Skinny, long boats can be a lot of fun and certainly can be faster. But consider how you want to paddle.
If you want a boat that you can fish from, and play in waves and boat wakes with little fear of swimming, the new V5 tourer may be just what you need. By the way this is an entirely new design that is composite construction and much longer than the Roto mold v5 that has been around for years. You can also turn in a respectable performance in long races. You will be able to lay down your strongest strokes from start to finish and will not burn out your core muscles working to keep upright in rough water. If you think the V5 might be your next kayak, give Ryan Milby or Andrew Wikstrom a call and they will set you up for a private demo. Thanks, John