Sometimes

Sometimes, they get it right the first time. Cars are a familiar product and I would argue that the 240Z was the best (and first) of it line. I would opine the same for the true initial Mustang. By that, I mean the first designed from the ground, up. The prior iteration was cobbled together from Falcon parts. But, I digress. The photo you see here is the first rotomolded (plastic) kayak manufactured in this country, an Aquaterra Chinook. It would’ve been the first in the world but the Brits popped one out of a mold a year or two before the Chinook emerged in 1986. These haven’t been made in almost two decades, but I’ve seen a few around. Something in the lines spoke to me. It wasn’t until I did some research that I understood why. Northwestern coast/Rob Roy boats have been around since 1865. Been around and perfected, starting with the rough waters and rocky shores of the Pacific Northwest. When Aquaterra drew up the Chinook, they started there and added some modern features and conveniences, which aren’t that different today. I’d looked for a while, came close a couple times, but was never able to snag one. Then, while on a trip a few weeks ago, I stopped in at a large sea kayaking shop in Georgia. There, in a stack of used boats, was a familiar profile that grabbed my eye. I bought the Chinook. I was almost afraid of paddling it, apprehensive of a letdown. But, I was also curious, so it wasn’t long before I slid it into a nearby lake. It was everything I thought it would be; stable, maneuverable and reasonably fast. Sometimes they get it right the first time.