Re: [Paddlewise] surf landings

Tomckayak_at_aol.com wrote:
> 
> In a message dated 98-08-11 13:22:35 EDT, wgarden_at_cyberlink.bc.ca writes:
> 
> << I started practicing surf landings going backwards towards the beach, I
>  sure do like it that way >>
> This  is like walking backwards to cross a busy street, so you can run back to
> the crab to miss on coming  traffic. I feel it slows you down and you spend
> more time in the surf zone. If it gets you on the beach in one piece will good
> for you.

That is an interesting point, I mean the one about spending lots of time
in what is a tricky place to be.  But I for one agree with sylvio
regarding his approach to surf landing, going in backwards and under
control.  My approach to dangerous situations is to do whatever it takes
to be in as full control as you can and that in the long run you are
safer that way.

This applies not only to surf landings but also other dicey situations,
one in particular that I see a lot of around here: crossing a busy
harbor with a pretty fast current running up and down it.  While it may
surprise many people, an awful lot of paddling is going on these days in
New York City, especially the half mile or more wide Hudson River.  The
amount of commercial and recreational motor boat traffic seems to double
each year.  However, nature remains constant and the river floods and
ebbs strongly at time.

When you are crossing the river, you have two choices...attempt to
paddle straight across to minimize your time in traffic or go across at
a ferry angle that keeps you out there somewhat longer.  The prudent
thing to do is to ferry angle since it means you will get to where you
want to go and not get pushed down range by the currents (or winds,
plenty of them here).  What happens if you try to rush straight across
is that you will have to stop at points to let a large boat by, and
broadside to the current, you will go downrange of your destination. 
Then you will have to paddle back against the full current's force and
expose yourself even more with your speed and manueverability greatly
reduced (the channel is effectively as broad as the river, i.e. near
shore is not "safe" from roaring motorized traffic).

So the issue is one of being in a hazardous situation but under control
versus trying to get out of there in a hurry but risking other
consequences (in surf landings: broaching and dumping; in crossing river
traffic: prolonging your exposure later to get back to where you want to
go).

ralph diaz
-- 
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Ralph Diaz . . . Folding Kayaker newsletter
PO Box 0754, New York, NY 10024
Tel: 212-724-5069; E-mail: rdiaz_at_ix.netcom.com
"Where's your sea kayak?"----"It's in the bag."
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