I launched the plywood Walrus today. I didn't paddle it much but Idid get a feel for it. I tracks stronger than the skin version. I sit lower in it so it feels more stable. It still carves a nice turn.

I really like the look of the upswept bow. I matches Skene's drawing on page 2 of Putz's book, or the southwest Greenland kayak at the bottom of the page in Chapple's book.

I used the coaming from the West River in Sea Kayaker. I felt pretty connected for not having a seat back hip braces thigh pads or foot braces and just a Thermarest seat. I wanted to custom fit everthing for my brother.

Fot those who aren't familiar with it, it is hard-chined, 17' long with a 22" beam. It has flat fore and aft decks but is peaked at the cockpit. It is shaped a lot like a Pygmy Queen Charlotte, but has a much lower volume. It weighs in at 33 pounds. Total cost was under $140.

The conditions I paddled in were no waves or wind but a very strong current. we were at the small mouth of a very large inlet, right at a bridge. Lots of swirling water. Had a lot of fun but it only lasted for a few minutes.

My brother seems very happy with it. I think I have a new paddling partner. He doesn't have his own paddle yet though, and doesn't like my Greenland stick.

Mike