[Paddlewise] Paddling a Beam Sea

Hi y'all,

Any thoughts on the best way to handle waves coming broadside to the boat?
I've seen articles that say one should lean into beam waves and brace into
the wave.  For example, the online article on waves by Shelly Johnson at
www.canoekayak.com says to lean into the wave so the boat doesn't trip over
on its lower edge.  But the online article by Steve Salins on the same
website says to lean away from a steep wave and keep the windward gunwale
high, and I've seen similar articles saying the best beam wave technique is
to keep your "ass to the wave", that is, lean the boat away from the wave.
Any thoughts as to the real best  technique here, when you need to make
forward progress in a beam sea and can't quarter the waves?

Thanks!
 Lewis
(polymedia_at_csi.com)













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