Hi Peter, > If only I'd known that passing one thousand miles was significant - I'd have > celebrated with an extra swig of Staminade. Every mile is significant. As for the staminade its amazing how far one can paddle if necessary. Generally it is wiser to paddle the extra distance to a safe landing than to hazard a crash landing. This is especially true for remote coastlines like the Pacific coast of Baja. > Sid, do I recall correctly that you have paddled the entire west coast of the > U.S? Is this written up anywhere for the enjoyment of those who are unlikely > to undertake that trip? Since you have asked. I've paddled the California coast (36 days) and to some of the California Channel Islands (Catalina, Anacapa, Santa Cruz) and the Cortez coast of Baja, crossed the Cortez and returned (gyres, upwelling, haystacks, overfalls), circumnavigated Mexico's two largest islands (Angel de la Guarda and Tiburon), paddled parts of the Pacific coast of Baja (a boat-buster), paddled in Alaska, various sounds in British Columbia, Puget Sound etc. etc. Steph Dutton has paddled from "B.C. to B.C." (British Columbia to Baja California) as has Ed Gillet and perhaps several others. No I haven't written anything but would be happy to answer questions. Steph wrote an article for Sea Kayaker magazine about rounding the infamous Punta Gorda just south of Cape Mendocino. It was calm when I paddled it (timing is everything). Briefly I would say paddle in a group of three or less, file a float plan, paddle north to south, carry charts and compass, try to be on the water by 0630 and off by 1400 (to avoid the wind), seek harbors rather than beaches, be mindful of places to land should the weather worsen, drink water every hour, be self-contained, never leave your boat unattended, never expect to be rescued, paddle in late summer or early fall preferably on the half moon, learn how to roll and how to land a loaded boat in dumpers, be stealthy, watch for thieves, jet skis and freighters in southern Calif., carry safety equipment (radio, parachute flares ...), dress for immersion, carry a spare paddle, never underestimate the power of the sea and don't listen to hyperbolic fisherman. > Finally, dance with the waves and sing at the top of your lungs around every lumpy headland. There, I've written-it-up. > I have just grazed onto buoyweather.com. Does anyone scan these wave > predictions? How do they compare with actual waves / swell? The National Data Bouy Center of the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has CMan bouys that provide real time data (internet) on wind speed/direction, wave height/frequency etc. which I find very useful. There are plots available of historic data which should be consulted when one plans a tour for best weather. Sid Taylor *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************Received on Wed May 08 2002 - 21:38:25 PDT
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