Sterlings Kayaks Illusion Part 4
ROUGH WATER HANDLING
I love this photo. I wish I was there when it was taken. However like many of the photos I have of this boat it came from somebody else that was happy to spread the passion for the great handling of the Illusion.
I don’t surf. I have never been on the open coast (yet!!!) but everybody gives great praise for the superb rough water handling of the Illusion.
Last years Deception Pass Dash which was crazy rough had several Illusions and Ice Kaps competing. The paddlers some of whom where just borrowing the boats gave high praise.
Looking at Canoe Pass (Deception Pass)
To test out my new boat in some rougher conditions I ventured down to Deception Pass on a light ebb current day. Starting near slack letting the conditions build I was greatly impressed with the superb responsiveness. With my Impex I often would be forced to be hit by conditions in a way I didn’t want because it was slow to respond. Not so with the Illusion. It turns on a dime. The bow rises up and over waves giving a really nice dry ride. The edge control is extremely comfortable. I’ve always thought my edge control was pretty weak. Something I’m working on.
Then I decided to try a few new things. I had heard that the boat handles well even when swamped with water. I didn’t believe this when told, but it is true. This is cool because I hate the paddle float self rescue. I prefer to re-enter and roll as my preferred rescue (second of course to a successful roll). However a re-enter and roll scoops a lot of water. It is comforting to know that the boat still handles fine with the cockpit full of water. My Impex was all over the place when swamped. This became useful a couple of weeks ago during a Body Boat Blade class. Leon had us doing a balance drill where we were attempting to spin around on our boat then kiss the bow. I did not do well on this drill and capsized quickly. Rolling wasn’t an option since I was not in the cockpit. I was back upright and out of the water quickly thanks to a re-entry and roll. I would much rather be upright in a swamped boat then out of the boat in the cold water. Also during that same class I capsized twice on accident. I can’t remember the last time I capsized on accident. No problem the boat rolls so easy.
The next thing was purely for the fun factor. I had read on Dash Point Pirate about flying under the bridge while in a balance brace. It was strangely peaceful watching the scenery go by while laying in a balance brace. Have I mentioned that I can balance brace and roll this boat way easier than my Greenland SOF?
I love this boat. It isn’t the fastest boat, but is by no means slow. It fits my all around needs. I can tour, camp, play in rough water, practice new Greenland rolls. It has been worth every penny. I can’t wait to get back out on the water with it some more. Although this is the last part of my review of my Illusion I’m sure I will keep spreading the praise for it. Thank you Sterling for a great boat.
Might be the perfect boat for some adventures like these in this video. (Check out the surfing sea lions at 44 second in!!)
