> If two hulls are identical in design wouldn't the stiffer one be
> inherantly faster? A flexible hull would form to the shape of the waves
> and slow the progress of the kayak, would it not?

Ian,

That's the million dollar question and subject to plenty of controversy. George Dyson presents his views in the Scientific American article that the flexible baidarka is faster than a stiff hull in some condititions. I have heard paddlers report that they don't get tossed around nearly as severely in storm conditions in a flexible hull as compared to a stiff hull but this is second-hand information. I have very little experience with baidarkas and paddle Greenland designs. Greenland skinboats are generally much stiffer than a baidarka but still have some flex. John Heath has often said that he felt that a stiff glass kayak felt like "dancing with a mannequin" after one was accustomed to a skinboat.

Greg Stamer