[Paddlewise] Turning into the wind

Note: The following was cc'ed to Greg last night, but didn't go through to
Paddlewise list for some reason. Please disregard this posting response if
you are a normal person :-) 

On Mon, 08 Mar 1999 23:35:46 -0500, Greg Hollingsworth wrote:
 	
I had the opportunity to test out my skills in some difficult conditions
this Sunday... winds were 27 knots with frequent gusts that reached 37
knots <big snip> the new boat (NordKapp) turns downwind in these conditions
<snip> 
My question is: after pointing downwind I found that I had a devil of a
time getting the boat heading upwind again <snip> What's the secret to
making turns easier?
 
Greg, et al:

There is no easy answer, though I'm sure you will get some sent your way.
In the portion I snipped from your message, you indicated all the normal
techniques. I've been paddling my Nordkapp in storm conditions for the last
twenty years, here on the West Coast of Vancouver Island and Southern
portions. Here are some points to consider, and they are my *own*
observations based on empirical evidence from on-water experience.

1. An effective sweep stroke requires a longer paddle, say 230cm. High wind
paddling requires fast, rapid forward paddling, which contraindicates the
use of the longer paddle, as a 215cm paddle provides the forward propulsion
necessary.

2. Effective storm paddling boat control and turning back into the wind
requires a large blade surface area. However, sustained paddling usually
benefits from a narrower blade, which tends to preserve joints and tendons,
so this again causes some contra indicators.

3. It is easier to paddle forward in high winds with an un feathered blade,
yet beam onto the wind, the unfeatherd blade can catch side gusts and
literally flip you over. The contraindication? Forward sweeps can expose
the feathered blade to the aforementioned wind.

4. At thirty to fourty knots, forward sweep turns require a lot of muscle
power. Working out at the gym or spending the storm season actually
paddling elevates the potential for successe. (Normally strength is not an
overriding issue in our sport).

5. Turning on waves can help, but usually more boat is exposed, defeating
the effect. I normally find this technique of using waves works only when
on a forward course, where it is utilized to aid corrective action to
maintain a course, but just slight changes that have to be constant (unless
you have a rudder).

6. If I get blown downwind, I may go with it a while, if there is sea-room
or sea-way. You can expand a lot of energy trying to get back into the
wind, and it quickly becomes exhausting. Run with it for a bit. When a lull
hits, your pent up energy is unleashed, and a turn can be completed.

7. Use reverse sweeps. Use reverse sweeps. Use reverse...Reverse sweeps
utilize the powerful upper arm muscles {carry a can of spinach :-)}. Get
some speed up backwards and then combine with a few forward sweeps, leaning
or edging the boat on its side where more rocker is apparent (false
rocker). This is where you might use an advantageous wave.
   
8. Sweep strokes in general are best performed by reaching as far back or
as far forward as possible, close to the hull, blade firmly in water, and
blade as vertical as possible and conditions allow. Sweep in as wide an arc
as possible. Fully extend the paddle as far as possible. You can also shift
hand position to maximize extension, but watch you don't overextend your
elbow. (Greg, I realize you may already know all this).

9. In bigger seas, you can find a wind-shadow in a trough, often big enough
to execute a turn. Also, just a pointer, reported wind speeds are usually
not as high over the first few feet of air, as they are at the reporting
elevation.

10. A skegged Nordkapp can be a death trap in high winds. I'm not talking
about the drop skeg that you actuate, but the built-in keel that runs all
the way to the stern for a couple of feet. It acts as a pivot point in high
winds. Combined with the high bow, it may be impossible to turn. I've seen
novices blow out of control in 25 knot winds. Undeniably, the skegged
Nordkapp is much more pretty than the standard hull model, so look cool as
you smash onto that lee shore! The newer Nordkapps (Jubilee) are a bit less
dramatic in the keel. I can paddle up to 50 knots (only 30 on open sea
unless running with it, then higher), and I would not be alive today if I
did not own a standard hull Nordkapp. The loss of tracking is made up for
by the addition of a rudder, in my case.

11.I hate rudders, but have to run one as stated. I only use it in extreme
seas, normally. A rudder does give you a wider margine of options for
turning and holding a course without tireing prematurely. Trouble is, most
rudders are only good for turning and course correction for people who
don't want to learn how to paddle, or for poorly designed kayaks
(sometimes). For a rudder to be truly effective, most models need to be 3
to 6 inches longer. This creates more drag for the lazy user, but the
extreme wind paddler will not notice *any* drag. Now, with more rudder in
the water in following seas or where maximum rudder control is needed, the
longer rudder excels. (I can catch big wind waves, without broaching, and
shoot past my skegged friends). I can paddle downwind when blown downwind,
then hit rudder right or rudder left and carve back into the wind.  	

12.You need weight in the kayak. Lead weights, etc, work well. Whatever you
use, it must be secure when you roll. I had a bag break loose one day.
Fortunately, it flopped over to the side I needed to lean toward for
holding course. Expedition boats like the Nordkapp are designed to run with
a load.

13.I experimented in the early eighties, during the two years of El Nino
winter storms. One storm hit 90 knots (about 80 knots at surface) The fetch
from Seattle up Haro Straight to Vancouver Island's, Island View Beach,
limited the wave height, but was still impossible to get out. I moved over
to Canoe Cove, estimating wind at about 65 knots. I loaded up the Nordkapp
with 300 lbs of rocks, secured in place with gear bags and towels (and I
wonder why my seams split now and again). The boat sagged fiercely from the
concentrated weight amidship. Getting some speed up, I punched out from
behind the lee protection of some rocks. It took a few times, but
eventually I could keep the nose pointed into the wind. As the seas grew
bigger, the Nordkapp barely rode over the waves, rather plowing through
them. While forward momentum was possible, blinding spray and not wanting
to die a virgin, I turned back. I tried turning back into the wind, but it
was impossible. I don't know what the limit is, but 40 knots must be
approaching the thresholds. The storm last week where I split the seams on
my old Nordkapp, were gusting to 60 knots. I could not turn once out off
the breakwater, and was washed up onto the logs in the surf.

14. Storm paddlers living in Victoria (there are a few of us, I'm one of
the few vocal ones, most living in anonymity, far from earshot of the
legislators) mostly run British kayaks, though the Current Designs Gulf
Stream, and some of the Necky kayaks get out a fair bit. The CD GTS sees a
fair bit of action too. P&H boats are very popular. The funniest guys to
watch are the whitewater kayaks: As they approach a wave crest in high
winds, they spin back downwind, heading back to the surf where they belong.
A local newspaper ran a story on strange wintertime activities, which
included, you guessed it - kayak storm paddling. Hope the politicians
missed that one :-)  
  
15.Last point. High wind paddling is dangerous. Don't combine it with tide
- you may die. Go for fast tide, or, high wind for your jollies. Wind
against tide is the most fun paddling there is, surfing standing waves,
etc, but save it for moderate conditions. High wind paddling is hard on the
body. I've had three shoulder surgeries, and often suffer pain during
normal touring trips due to the prior seasons storm paddling. The Tsunami
Rangers romanticize high wind, rough water paddling, but the realities can
be a little more painful. Some food for thought. 

[Added thought to above resend as of  March 9, 1999. I was blown off the
Brooks Peninsula a few years ago in a 40 knot gale by offshore winds. I
paddled as hard as I could, but the further I got out, the more fetch was
apparent, and the stronger the wind got, providing a deteriorating
situation. I eventually could not turn into it anymore. I had paddled many
years in wind speeds much higher, but not *against* this velocity on the
open coast. I was humbled quickly (took ten miles of ferry glidding at an
angle to reach shore). On a different side of the Brooks Peninsula, on a
different trip, I was held at bay by 30 knot winds coming out of a valley.
There was no "sea", just almost flat water and the "blast furnace". I was
even more humbled. The equation depends on variables, of which wind is only
one of them.  PS To all the PaddlerWisers who live on the eastern seaboard
of North America, where offshore wind is a common reality, hats off to ya
for the skill and judgement you must need. We only get the odd Squamish
type of offshore wind, which is easy to avoid). 

Doug Lloyd
Victoria BC
Canada  
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