Re: [Paddlewise] Rules of the Road?

From: Dave Kruger <dkruger_at_pacifier.com>
Date: Tue, 01 Jun 1999 22:59:23 -0700
Jim Holman wrote:
> 
> After much discussion and investigation, the Significant Other and I purchased a 
> canoe. [snip]
> 
> when approaching the main channel of the Columbia [River], we observed something
> that resembled a freeway, with powerboats zooming back and forth at high speed.

Man, you paddle a different section of the Columbia than I do!  I'd suggest
finding a different place to paddle.

After that, I'd suggest sticking to water the power boaters can't run in, at
least until you have good control of that canoe, especially when wakes hit
you.

For crossing the shipping channel, look *a long ways* both directions for
traffic, and allow plenty of room ahead of any ships.  Many places, it may be
difficult to figure out exactly where the "edge" of the channel is.  Work on
developing that skill, and when you are certain you know how to determine
where the "edge" is, creep up to it, wait for a good-sized hole, and zip
across the channel.  Down here, the channel is roughly 200 yards wide.  It may
be narrower up where you are.

Remember that those ships (freighters) can not stop for a mile or so, and that
the captain on the bridge can not see the water surface (you) for up to half a
mile in front of the ship's bow.

-- 
Dave Kruger
Astoria, OR


***************************************************************************
PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List
Submissions:     paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net
Subscriptions:   paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net
Website:         http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/
***************************************************************************
Received on Tue Jun 01 1999 - 23:08:27 PDT

This archive was generated by hypermail 2.4.0 : Thu Aug 21 2025 - 16:30:09 PDT