Re: [Paddlewise] How far off shore?

From: R. Walker <rww_at_mailbox.neosoft.com>
>
>I don't think the question is "how far"; it feels to me more like there are
>zones of comfort to work with in a kayak.  You've got bays/lakes,
>completely protected; you've got near shore within a mile or two with surf
>and land to look at.  And you have offshore.  Offshore is a relatively
benign
>environment for a kayak, *IF* you are mentally and equipment wise
>prepared to spend more than a night or two on the water if something wierd
>happens.   If you are about to launch, and you're going beyond the surf
>zone, HOW HARD IS IT to put 3-5 gallons of fresh water in the boat with
>you?  Next, MISSING WORK is not a life threatening situation deserving of
>coast guard rescue.   If a current up and snags you, and drags you twenty
>miles out or even just in the wrong direction up the coast, BIG WUP.  Use
>your radio or cell phone to call in the change of plans to who ever has
your
>float plan and just deal with it.



Well said Richard, If one does not have a comfort zone when no land is in
site, she/he should not be in a situation that could cause them to spend
time in the open sea.  The lack of a comfort zone could cause someone to
make fatal decisions or just simply "lose it".
   So how far offshore should one paddle, it all depends upon the hazards
between you and the shore, whether it is large surf, boomers, jetties,
currents, oyster shell reef, etc, know the area you are paddling in.  Being
forced offshore the worst hazards would be a unprepared mind, lack of skills
and lack of proper equipment and body fuel.
Arthur Hebert
http://homepages.gs.net/seacajun




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