Richard Manning in his new red kayak

Kayaks come in a variety of designs and hull shapes with variations in length, flare, rocker, chine, and width, each design with its own purpose. Some track straight and shoot out fast, like limos. Ravens are known for turning. One turns a kayak by shifting one's weight, so the boat is tipped sideways perilously close to its balance point, then one applies a paddle stroke that if properly executed, spins the boat like a top; it done improperly, the boat will capsize.

Consistently, I believe I can do more than I can and my first turn in my brand-new red Raven looked for all the world like my first execution of a wet exit. Tracy turned her boat and stayed upright and dry.

Move on to Willapa Bay, Washington

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