[Paddlewise] Windy kayaking

In the past, I've always avoided paddleing on windy days just because it
didn't seem like much fun.  But today, desperate to get out on the
water, I decided to tackle the 30 mph Santa Ana winds, sometimes gusting
to 50 or more.  I reasoned that I could stay in the harbor if things
were too dicey and this would be good training should I ever get caught
out in similar windy conditions.  As it was, I did get out past the
breakwater a couple of miles.  I have no great insights to share, but
here's a few things I learned:

1)  Good paddleing form is a must with your torso and lower back muscles
doing most of the work instead of muscling your way into the wind with
your arms.  I suppose that's good in any paddleing situation, but more
so when going to windward in those kinds of winds.  The one time I did
stop to rest for a few seconds, I was blown backward a few yards, and
broached around, then a gust hit me and only some quick bracing and body
english prevented me capsizing.  You have to keep moving, not only to
not have to paddle the distance you've already won, but to stay
vertical.  If you don't have good form, you'll tire out too easily. I
also found that leaning forward just a little bit more than I usually do
worked wonders in easing wind resistance.  Every little bit counts.

2)  My Perception Shadow came with a rudder on it though I think I've
only used it once, just to see if it worked.  Though it did keep me on
my heading with quartering winds, I didn't like using it.  I preferred
the solidness of the footpegs with the rudder up and secured, and found
I had to think too much in anticipating wind gusts and confused waves
coming up at me.  I'd rather put that effort into strokes and body
english and not have to worry about the rudder angle.  On my next boat
I'll look into a retractable skeg as an alternative.

3)  Going outside the envelope (for me), I have a new sense of
accomplishment and know that if I ever do get caught out in winds like
these with no friendly harbor a mile or two away, I'll have a good idea
of what myself and the boat can/cannot do.

--Nick

p.s.  From the SoCal Boaters (Fractured) Dictionary:

Subdued \sub-dood'\:  the kind of, like, cool boat that,
like, runs underwater, man



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