Re: [Paddlewise] Winter paddling and ice

A few comments on the two ice related threads. I went out in my Chinook
in/on the ice on a local river (here in Ann Arbor MI) a few weeks ago.  I
found it important to find a lead that actually led to open water.  The
first few that looked promising only led to more solid ice with a thin
layer of melt on top (this was obviously prior to the recent cold snap!).
I got back on the road, above the river, and was able to pick out a more
promising route.  Going through the ice was not too difficult, until it
got to be thicker than a couple of centimeters.  A couple of times I had
to back up and scoot forward, breaking the ice as I went.  I made a couple
of channels this way.  In other places I scooted over the top for a few
meters and splashed (or crashed!) in on the other side. The weight of me
and the boat was more effective than 'ramming' the thicker ice.
    I should note there was little wind, no tide(!) and obviously little
current in this part of the river. I would underscore that importance of
keeping an exit strategy more in mind than usual.
    Generally a lurker,
        Will

PS I second the advice about using your second or third best paddles!
There was a lot of pulling and poking in addition to short paddle strokes.
 
William C. Purves 
Educator at large 
(734)761-1084(hm) 
(734)665-5662 ext 23 (wk)



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