Re: [Paddlewise] Not the Best in Seamanship

In a message dated 11/8/00 7:08:26 PM Pacific Standard Time, dlloyd_at_telus.net 
writes:

<< However, I still think Duane's last trip posted on Paddlewise expressed
 a little less safety reflection than perhaps it should have. Leaving to
 do long crossings in the afternoon wind, across shipping channels
 without navigational support and communication, is not the best in
 seamanship.  >>

Doug,

I really don't know how Jim and I could've been more prepared for this trip.  
Each of us carried a VHF, GPS, compass, and all of the other standard safety 
gear.  In addition, I carried an EPIRB.  We could've use the GPS to determine 
when we were in the shipping lanes, but we didn't feel the need.  We could've 
used the VHF to talk to the ships, but we didn't feel the need.  Our 
equipment was not issue.

The forecasted winds for the 30 mile crossing were 15-20 knots.  If the winds 
had reached 20 knots, we would've been miserable, but we would've made it.  
In much stronger winds, we could've let ourselves be blown to Santa Rosa 
Island.

Jim and are both proficient rollers, bracers and scullers.  I don't know two 
people in Southern California who practice rescues, including reentry and 
rolls, more than us.  We also play in the surf, while most sea kayakers avoid 
it.  To say we have done a few crossings is an understatement.  Both of us 
have made multiple crossings to Catalina, Anacapa and Santa Cruz Islands 
before.  I also did a lot of research before this trip.  Our experience and 
skills were not an issue.  We knew exactly what we were getting into.

Should we have been more patient and waited another day before that 30 mile 
crossing?  Probably, but we made our decision there and then, and there is 
nothing you can do about it afterwards.  I think mistakes are made on any 
trip, and to expect a perfectly executed one is ridiculous.  Upon reflection, 
I think we were a little wimpy about the whole thing.

However, we are proud of our achievement.  I am aware of a handful of others 
who did this trip, but they had an escort boat.  I am not aware of anyone 
doing it unescorted, as we did, but I imagine it has been done.

Some people may say we were reckless and lucky we made the trip, but Jim and 
I know otherwise.  Sometimes the old timers hate to acknowledge new blood, 
especially ones with a good story.  I can understand how less skilled 
paddlers would think our trip was crazy.  A couple of years ago, I would have 
thought it was crazy too.  Sure we take some risks, but that is what any 
adventure is about.  Our lives have been enriched because of this trip, and 
we look forward to more.

Duane
 <A HREF="http://hometown.aol.com/pirateseakayaker/fandf.html">Northern Four 
Channel Islands Crossings</A> 



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