“Wetted surface area” refers to the amount of surface area in a boat that’s “wet,” or under the water.
We find that when we have more wetted surface area, we have more drag and it takes more effort for the boat to move forward.*
With a lot of modern boats, similar to a surfboard, once the forward speed increases, the wetted surface area decreases as the hull lifts slightly and starts to “plane.”
It gets easier.
Going slow can be hard work.
And sometimes, focusing on the destination and simply picking up speed can make things a lot easier and use even less energy, as we reduce drag.
Often, with no urgency, with no necessity, we wallow, we second guess, find excuses and generally open up the door to resistance.
*Of course, there are other factors as well, but with all things remaining equal.
