Made the Leap to Stealth

Went out to Shadow Cliffs yesterday for the maiden voyage.

I set up the FF in a way where I could stow it in the hatch, and then hook it up on the water. Didn’t work as planned because I had to sit side saddle on the bait tank cover in order to reach the connections. I got it done but it was flat calm. Would not feel comfortable doing it on the ocean.

So my choices are to set it up already hooked up in the hatch like Australia Rod, or launch with it hooked up the way I have it now. I know it would be fine being submerged, but rolling in the surf adds a tremendous amount of water pressure. When I took the surf zone class I had to empty about 4 gallons of water out of the Eddyline hull several times.

The seating position is super comfortable ergonomically, and I didn’t notice any pain in my back, or anywhere else….except sitting on the hard surface was getting painfull on my butt. Will need some kinda pad for that. I didn’t feel like I needed any back support but sometimes I like to lean back to relax when not paddling, and that’s not possible. I was able to sit side saddle to access the rear hatch.

It was difficult getting used to having a rudder. I would start going to the left or right, and try to compensate with the paddle to no avail only to realize I had nudged the foot peddle. It will take another trip or two to learn the new way of steering. When using the rudder it turns sharp.

I bought a Stealth wing paddle and it will take some time to get the hang of. Need to set the length, and feather. It is 210-220cm, and the Epic paddle sizer recommends 217 but I just had it at 210. Need to work more on the proper stroke using legs, and core. The last six years I have only been using my arms.

Paddled for 3 hours straight trolling some different trout lures for 1 12” bass, a one hit that peeled a little line before popping off. I layered for cool weather, and it ended up being sunny, and warm. I went back to launch, and took the fishing stuff back to my car. Went back
And mentioned to the shore fishermen that I would be practicing getting in the water, and back into the kayak. It was quite a bit easier to get back in compared to my Eddyline. The Eddyline wants to flip if you aren’t super fast. I practiced getting in on both sides.

From sitting in a little puddle of water I found out that my drysuit has a tiny leak in the crotch seam so I will send it in for repairs, or maybe get a new one. This one has six years of pretty hard use.

Overall I’m quite pleased but will need a little more seat time on the lakes before heading to the ocean.

Hi Mark
Thank you for your detailed report.  It will save me a lot of time when I start practicing my Stealth.


Paul

Congrats and thanks for the report.  I was in awe of your Eddyline and Tsuri's Stealth, but really like the Stealth.  My Old Town barge does what I want it to but I like the idea of being a missile in the water.