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 *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Windy paddling. Good workout. A couple weeks ago I was paddling on the Mississippi in some strong wind. The area I often paddling in is downwind from some high bluffs, often makes for some strong gusts. Anyway, on this particular day, the wind was blowing so that I was going downstream with waves standing between 1/2' and 1' high going back upstream. Made for some interesting paddling. Had to keep a *really* low paddle stroke as well as a low profile. I kept thinking I need to get one of those little storm paddles. Going back upstream, I actually caught some nice rides. -Patrick *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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