Smooth rocks versus jagged rocks. I would take kelp covered Basalt shown in the vid over the Coral Limestone we have here in Okinawa, Japan. It is not smooth chalky limestone like the White Cliffs of Dover. Oh no. It is compressed, crushed coral shards that are the equivalent of millions of broken glass bottles glued to together. Even the beaches are nothing but chunks of broken coral (sized 5cm to 20cm). Only a few here run composite boats and they had to make special trolleys to launch from the water like a jet ski as they can't risk surf launching direct from the beach. I have six Poly boats (3m WW to 5m Touring) and all the hulls look like they have been attacked by a pride of lions on Meth. Every one of my boats gets at least one hull resurfacing session per year, with my two favorites needing gouges filled/hull resurfaced at least 2x year. When paddling rock gardens, besides wearing a bump helmet, ones needs neoprene dive gloves and rash guards, even during the 40C summer months. Even walking the shallows, one needs dive booties to avoid cutting up ankles.
Trust me James os an absolutely fantastic coach. Taught me some stuff that literally saved my life when I got into some well dodgy waters.
Thanks for the kind words 🙂 Great to hear!
Smooth rocks versus jagged rocks. I would take kelp covered Basalt shown in the vid over the Coral Limestone we have here in Okinawa, Japan. It is not smooth chalky limestone like the White Cliffs of Dover. Oh no. It is compressed, crushed coral shards that are the equivalent of millions of broken glass bottles glued to together. Even the beaches are nothing but chunks of broken coral (sized 5cm to 20cm). Only a few here run composite boats and they had to make special trolleys to launch from the water like a jet ski as they can't risk surf launching direct from the beach. I have six Poly boats (3m WW to 5m Touring) and all the hulls look like they have been attacked by a pride of lions on Meth. Every one of my boats gets at least one hull resurfacing session per year, with my two favorites needing gouges filled/hull resurfaced at least 2x year. When paddling rock gardens, besides wearing a bump helmet, ones needs neoprene dive gloves and rash guards, even during the 40C summer months. Even walking the shallows, one needs dive booties to avoid cutting up ankles.
Those sound like some pretty gnarly conditions! Thanks for the comment