[Paddlewise] surf landings and some other stuff

Ralph wrote;

(SNIP)

>
>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).

Has anyone done any experiments on the ideal angle? I mention this because
tank and wind tunnel tests have shown that the greatest leeway occurs at an
angle of thirty degrees to the flow. In other words, one could be heading
upstream but the net effect would not only keep one out in the channel
longer but would make a person work much harder to get to the destination.
I wonder if there may not be better approaches. For instance, paddling up
stream along shore where currents may be less or even going in the
favourable direction and then sprinting across the heavy current.

I do some upstream paddling of rivers an have used the eddy hopping and
sprint across technique with apparent success. Of course, different
conditions will require different strategies so I am not suggesting this
method for every condition. Obviously this tactic may be not practical in
New York harbour.

The surf thing is a good example. Some times getting out of the surf as
quickly as possible may be the best attack. I have not had good luck
backing through dumping surf possibly due poor balance or something. The
loss of stability on the crest really throws me for a loop so I prefer to
try to ride it in.

I have had good luck using a sea anchor to slow the boat in surf.
Incidentally, The Walleye Angler Speciality catalogue (Web site
http://www.basspro.com) has some neat things. On page they have some
inexpensive sea anchors that look good. On page 66 they have a barometer
for $25.99. This is a superb price for a tool that can keep you out of
trouble.  On page 85 there is an adjustable shade umbrella that looks like
it can clamp on to the boat. $29.99. I will report on how well these things
work except the umbrella that I think is neat but is not something I would
ever use.

I have no connection with Bass Pro financial or otherwise.

Cheers,
John Winters
Redwing Designs
Specialists in Human Powered Watercraft
http://home.ican.net/~735769/


A lot would depend upon the wind angle as well.

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