Re: [Paddlewise] can any one paddle into a 27 knot wind?

I think a lot will depend on how much surface area you expose to 
the wind.   Some sea kayaks have a lot of volume, and a high bow, 
and stick several inches up above the water.   Mine has squat for a 
bow, low volume, and is always carrying very near its maximum 
capacity.  With me at 210 lbs, and 50lb of gear; the bow spends as 
much time below the water as above in heavy seas.  I also bench 
200lbs+; and usually paddle in an athletic mode, applying a lot of 
power all through the stroke, using a fairly rapid stroke count.   
Given these factors, I can in fact paddle into high wind, 25-35kts; it 
is always very wet, I get as low to the deck as I can, and I feather 
my paddle.  Making headway is not the problem.  It is maintaining 
your stroke count.  As long as you're paddling like on race day 
you'll make 1-2kts; as soon as you stop; the game is over, and 
you'll be flying across the water in the wrong direction.   If you can't 
maintain a racing pace over the entire length of the crossing, you 
might as well toss out anchor or drogue and wait; or if you aren't in 
the water already, just lay on the hood of your car and wait for the 
weather to pass.

If you do do the paddle, you might want to call the spouse at 
home, let them know they need to go to the store and get lots of 
bengay/iceihot/tigerbalm...   Cause just like the day after a race, 
you'll be feeling it big time.

Fortunately, days with 30kt+ winds are rare here.  Unfortunately for 
some, days with 15-25kt winds are pretty common.


Richard Walker
Houston, TX
http://www.neosoft.com/~rww/kayak_log.html
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