Re: [Paddlewise] Turning into the wind

 Doug,

Wow! thanks for your excellent post on storm paddling. I admire your
experience and knowledge in storm conditions. I personally have yet to
really test my limits on the sea, and I hope that when I do, it turns out
well in the end. 

I have a question for you, and also, a comment or two on your post (scroll
down for these). One question, is have you ever had trouble eskimo rolling
in those really big winds? I have a hard time imagining being unable to
sucessfully roll even after repeated attempts on both sides, but I don't
want to learn about this first hand if I can help it. I remember your Sea
Kayaker safety article, but didn't you have a broken paddle? Also, there
is Deep Trouble article where some kayakers with decent rolls were unable
to roll in a Squamish wind, but it seemed that their rolls really were not
bombproof. How violent does the open ocean get compared to the surf zone
or the river?

A second question, is do you think it is feasible to turn a kayak that is
upside down when wind prevents turning when upright? I am suggesting
turning a kayak by deliberately capsizing and using underwater sweeps, and
then rolling back up. I think this may be possible, but I have not tried
it yet.

Thanks,
kevin


	 ___________________                                                            
	/   Kevin Whilden   \
       |Dept. of Geosciences \___
       |University of Washington \
       |kwhilden_at_u.washington.edu| 
        \________________________/                       

On Wed, 10 Mar 1999, inetex wrote:

> 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.
> 

Here is where a sliding stroke is really good, as I think you mentioned
below. A Greenland style paddle is made for this. It allows for effortless
changing of the effective sweeping length of the paddle. I think Greenland
paddles are great storm paddles.


> 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.

Again, a Greenland paddle, with its small blade and lifting surface is a
great comprimise between stress on the joints and propulsive power.

> 
> 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.
> 

In the first two sentences, did you mistakenly use the term un-feathered?
It seems to me that you are describing a feathered paddle.


> 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.

Can you explain a little more why weights are necessary. It seems to me
that any excess weight will just impede control. Perhaps this is something
to do with your hull, and not something in general.

I think that's it for my comments. Thanks again!

> 
> 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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