The Future of Kayaking !
This is the formulae that will break the world record in speed kayaking. Presently the fastest time a kayak can go is about 20 km/h. Imagine kayaking at at speed up to 25 km/h or more!! The Norwegians have just developed an extraordinary and working model of the hydrofoil kayak (www.foilkayak.com). The theory is not new but from what I read, previous attempts have not been successful due to the instability of the hydrofoil underwater. 
I certainly would like to see this technology adapted for folding kayaks. Perhaps an attachment where we can strap to the hull, much like a skeg. Imagine paddling from Singapore to Batam in less than an hour, or from Singapore to Thailand in less than a week!! But of course this is assuming such speed is keep up for the entire journey. But then again, we are allow to dream no? Expedition kayaking needs an injection of speed. I am not suggesting to stop smelling flowers along the way, but it will certainly make planning more versatile and give an extra option for long sea crossings. Hey, long weekends may become more useful.
Then again, the hydrofoil may only be stable in flatwater with no or little waves. I wonder how it will react to choppy seas...
All photos courtesy of Foilkayak.
Comments
He indicated that you're a big-time kayaker and I believe him. I mean look at that awesome picture! Was that a race you were in? Didn't know they've got kayak races. Oops! Apologies for ignorance as I've just been initiated into the world of kayaking by FH2o.
Question: Don't you get lonely and with a tinge of regret when you have no one to talk to nor share the breathtaking views? Sorry, don't mean to psych you but that's how I feel.
Looking forward to more of your adventures and by the way, welcome to the world of blogging more importantly putting something intangible into something tangible sort of. Thanks for sharing.
I like to take my time, enjoy the view and slip into the water for some snorkeling from time to time.
A hydrofoil's performance in waves depends a lot on how much power is available. Hawaii ran interisland hydrofoil boats for many years in very choppy conditions, but they had two turbine engines to keep them skipping across the wave tops at high speeds. (They were eventually sold and put into service in Hong Kong).
Interesting concept all the same.
Cheers man.
Or at least this person did.
Looking forward to reading more of your adventures!
Btw, the gung-ho guys in the photo is not me. Yet to figure out how to put a photo on my profile will do that soon. The pics are all norwegian!
fh2o - i want it for my foldable !
happy - ya many times since it feels good to share with others. But I am used to the fact that there are few kayakers ard.
panda - cool eh? same question as you of how they will work in rough seas
yvy - not me! ;)
agus - hey will try my best, k?