Re: Legend

Didn`t Hayden in Australia incorporate mini-chines to the tail end of their ILS Spec skis a year or two ago?
Great to see more ski shapes and debate going on - keep it up guys!
Owen

Daryl,
I think it is about the boat, especially at the non-elite level where the way a boat handles can have a significant effect on a paddlers performance. I hope to get a chance to try one out.

Sorry Daryl about the 'looks slow' comment. The full context is 'looks slow in the chop'. But I stand corrected that it is not the case. We look forward to getting some comments from paddlers or even getting the Legend reviewed. Any chance of getting one to Hawaii for the Molokai? Rob will be there.

Well done on the new design, with any different looking design there is bound to be speculation and opinions flying around.

Daryl,
I think it is about the boat, especially at the non-elite level where the way a boat handles can have a significant effect on a paddlers performance. I hope to get a chance to try one out.

I would disagree with that Richie, particularly at non-elite level.


There are so many skis that cater for paddlers who are not racing at elite level, that allow you to get out on the water and develop your skis before progressing to faster, more unstable skis. In the Think range, this is covered by the Evo which is a fantastic ski for chasing runs, but is really comfortable and stable. The Legend is a step up in performance from the Evo, and once you have the skills required to master a ski like the Evo, then the Legend is there waiting to be tried.


The focus of The Think range is to provide skis that allow the paddler (the engine) to perform at his best. By providing a stable platform the paddler is focussed on getting the most out of each stroke, rather than balancing and trying to not fall in.


I think it's important for paddlers to know what level they are at, and that paddling the fastest ski isn't often the best way for them to go fast. Often when a paddler uses "slower" model skis they will perform better as the engine is more in tune with the chassis.

Hi Ritchie,

Sorry I didn't respond sooner. I've been travelling.

I agree with both your statement and Stewart's. At the non-elite level, it is more about the boat, because the boat needs to provide a platform that really does create confidence. This is where the Evo falls, yet it is still a very competitive design.

At the elite level, I believe it's mostly about the engine, as the boats all have roughly the same maximum velocity on flat water, and this has been the case for 15 years. I know, as I have pretty much owned them all. What has changed is that the boats have gotten progessively easier to paddle, without sacrificing speed.

I feel the Legend is the next step. It offers both greater secondary stability (in the elite boat class), and better downwind performance, than the current standard.

Best regards,

Daryl

The Legend had it's first race in Australia yesterday at the Bridge to Manly race. 2 Legends used in the race, both finishing in the top 20.

Tommy Woodriff came in 5th and William Hardman 19th. Considering how flat the conditions were we're really happy. Next weekend's race should have heaps of chop and runs, which the Legend just loves. Looking forward to seeing how it performs.

A few very rushed shots from the Bridge to Beach last weekend. Tommy and Willy on their Legends.



I've also got some of Jeremy and Caine which I'll send to Rob now to post up if he like them.

I'm hoping that Will, the Australian customer who has had a Legend for a month now, will be getting a review into surfski.info in the next few days.

Thanks,

Daryl