Well, I have better news to report. After my test run and dumping the Eddyline Journey, I left realizing that the problem is definitely ME! The experience really made me realize how good my Gulfstream fits me and how comfortable it is. Before I purchased the Gulfstream I researched it to death, I was and still am convinced that it's the perfect kayak for me. Derek Hutchinson who designed it is nearly my exact size and build. So I thought, okay Ray, time to get your head around this. I've dumped, gotten back in & pumped out the boat so many times I'm not the least bit afraid of that anymore, so why am I so tense?


Lisa and I went out Sunday, after having the same issue in the Eddyline I had a different mentality, relax and go with the flow. I'm happy to report that we spent 3 hours circling the entire shoreline of the lake without even a hint of me dumping, in fact the boat actually felt solid! On one end we got the waves from the wind and they were no problem, in another location we got HUGE waves from a boat pulling a wake boarder, for those I got nose into them, relaxed and they were actually enjoyable. Lisa even said that she saw a big difference in me SITTING STILL with minimal upper body motion. It was a HUGE confidence builder for me which I definitely needed.

Good comments from all, thank you. I'm realizing that the key is to relax and like magooch said, lots more time in the saddle. I also plan to take some one-on-one lessons which I think will help.