Every now and then, you just have to buy a new boat. Something with hormones, probably. You make up some lame excuse, promise yourself to buy a secondhand of 100 dollars at most, and come home 2 hours later, 1000 dollars lighter, and with weeks of padding and modifying waiting for you. I thought I needed a recreation boat, suitable to take novice paddlers out for a day, suitable for some lazy floating on summer afternoons, and small enough to fit in my home. I bought myself a Rainbow Oasis. Very easy for beginners, but all the usual sea-kayak tricks are possible. Of course I had to move the seat, replace the decklines, reshape the cockpit, add flotation, drill a couple of holes... The usual. What's new is, the boat needed better thighbraces. This time I didn't feel like using foam or plastic. Instead, I made the kind of braces used in C1's and SOT's: straps. One end of those straps is fitted to the boat with the footbraces, the other side is attached to the deck together with the chair. In the middle of the straps, a short strap is attached that is fitted to the chair, between my legs, with a quick-release mechanism. The whole system involved drilling one hole in my boat, in the middle of the seat. The straps give a very solid feel, but also very comfortable. For easy paddling on flat water, I can release them to give my legs some space to move around. Tomorrow is try-out: I think I can hand-roll this boat with these braces. I think the system can be used in any kayak with insufficient thigh-braces, and there are many of them. Don't hesitate to mail me for further details. Niels. *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
Sounds nice Niels. Kind of reminds me of what Riot is doing in their whitewater kayaks right now. They're calling it D4 Elastomer Outfitting or something equally odd. You can see it at: http://www.riotkayaks.com/Riot/outfitting.htm Looks kind of nifty, I wonder how well it (though modified) would transfer to sea kayaking. I like the idea of having something a bit looser for touring and then cranking it in when conditions get hairy. Any thoughts anyone? Sounds like Niels has made the first step towards this, can you post some pics somewhere? -Patrick *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
check out Cruising World GENERAL MESSAGES http://old.cruisingworld.com/forums/genlmesg/index.pl?read=251616 of sail boat owners views of kayakers Dana *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
Perhaps this is a good time to cover rules of the road? I took basic, and intermediate sailing classes in Connecticut at a sailing school that rents sit on tops to anyone. This class presented the pyramid in rights of way questions. Power boats at the bottom, sail boats in the middle, and kayakers at the top. Kayakers have rights of way in all situations except in a channel. I don't recall if this was in print, or was the instructors way of simplifying the right of way questions. I also have my safe boating certificate for power boats, presented by the same sailing school. I've taken basic kayaking lessons elsewhere, that combined whitewater and sea-kayaking in one. The kayak class didn't touch anywhere on rules of the road, only techniques and safety gear. I've taken basic keel boat (sailing) class, where we spent most of the time in the channel. Somehow each situation brings new perspective from the others point of view. Funny how rules of the road vary depending on who you ask. Keep in mind CT waters are becoming extremely crowded, and it seems like everyone likes to go fast. The last time I asked this I've forgotten on which group, the topic was on international rules of the road. The general agreement was that all boats are considered to be under power when moving, whether it is from engine, sail, or human power. I think that using common sense was the only uniting factor. Holding course was always a good thing, and not cutting in front of someone at the last minute. Anyway, my point is that at least in Connecticut, schools should be spending more time on rules of the road for kayaks. Is it only in Connecticut or is it elsewhere wherby kayakers are given the idea that they are at the top of the pyramid, and everyone else must yield to them? What are the correct rules of the road to be followed. Shouldn't all boaters follow the same rules? I don't want to start any arguments or flames, but what rules should we be following? _________________________________________________________________ MSN Photos is the easiest way to share and print your photos: http://photos.msn.com/support/worldwide.aspx *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
----- Original Message ----- From: "Paul Raymond" > Perhaps this is a good time to cover rules of the road? > What are the correct rules of the road to be followed. Shouldn't > all boaters follow the same rules? > > I don't want to start any arguments or flames, but what rules should we be > following? I don't cross much open water and simply tend to stay to the edges. A swivel neck and a friendly wave seem to go far in GA and SC. David Burch's "Fundamentals of Kayak Navigation" (third edition) has a special section concerning navigating in traffic and the rules of the road. Take a peek at p242-259. Its a bit dry. Then again its hard to make rules sexy. Jim et al *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
Paul, A topic in which I have been very interested. Below are my comments regarding some of yours. Paul Raymond wrote: > Power boats at the bottom, sail boats in the middle, and kayakers at the top. > Kayakers have rights of way in all > situations except in a channel. Restated, any large ship in a channel is at the top of the pyrimid - not just "might has right". I have also heard the remaining order as you describe. However, as a courtesy, I often give way to sailors on a hard tack. I also push the limits of my right of way with power boats in situations where my safety does not seem at significant risk. > I think that using common sense was the only uniting factor. Amen - unfortunately, it will never universally happen. > Holding course was always a good thing, and not cutting in front of someone at > the last minute. When there is apparent confusion between the oncoming boats (of whatever type), it is helpful if one makes a definitive course adjustment to indicate desired portion of the path.. > Shouldn't all boaters follow the same rules? Amen - unfortunately, it will never happen. Thanks for raising the issue, Paul. Regards, Ellis *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
Paul wrote: > Is it only in Connecticut or is it elsewhere wherby kayakers are given the > idea that they are at the top of the pyramid, and everyone else must yield > to them? What are the correct rules of the road to be followed. Shouldn't > all boaters follow the same rules? Paul, I don't think it is only in CT whereby kayakers are given the *WRONG* idea that they have the right of way. I have been pouring over my copy of The Rules, (http://www.uscg.mil/vtm/pages/rules.htm) and I cannot find any references that kayakers have the right of way over anything. In fact, if a sailboat with a deep keel was in a narrow channel, that boat would be restricted in its ability to maneuver and would have the right of way over a kayaker. Likewise a commercial ship in one of the designated shipping lanes (no buoys or markers show these on the water--you have to know where they are and where you are). The people I paddle with all subscribe to the "Rule of Gross Tonnage"--if it's bigger than us it has the right of way. None of us want to be "Dead Right". The only time we don't move out of the way is when we are the overtaken vessel. Then we hold course so the vessel overtaking us can figure out what we are doing. We also carry VHF radios and have been known to call a boat if it looks like it can't see us and is heading directly at us no matter what maneuvers we perform. Also, most of our paddling is according to the International Rules on the ocean. The only time we are subject to Inland Rules in our area is when we are behind a harbor breakwater. Hope this helps, Steve Holtzman Southern CA *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
Gordon wrote: >The guy at the head of the line during the first trip was the > most experienced kayaker in the group. On this trip one of the BC ferries > had to make a long curving course adjustment to get around one kayaker who > had his radio head phones jacked into his ears. The second time I paddled > up to the lead kayakers and told them that on long crossings to let the > slowest paddler set the pace so that the group could stay together - that > way others on the water only have one group of kayakers to contend with as > opposed to a kayak slalom course. > .........Gross tonnage rules. > > If I ever have my boat in California, I'd be honored to paddle with your group. > > Gordin Warner Gordon, You're welcome to join us anytime. We have a "core group" that I paddle with almost every Sunday that is active in our club, California Kayak Friends. Once a month we schedule a beginner/intermediate paddle, and the rest of the month, we ask for strong intermediate paddlers or better only to join us. When we are doing any crossings of the Santa Barbara Channel (that's when we have to worry about the shipping lanes), we always pause just before entering the lane and have everyone cross in a wide line. We sprint to the center of the separation zone and then do it again. This way we minimize the time spent in the traffic lanes. I've also noticed, that if we can see a ship on the horizon, we probably can't paddle fast enough to cross in front of it--better to wait and go behind it. Average speed in the lanes down here is about 20 knots. When we are on a group paddle, we always have an experienced paddler in the lead, unless we have 1 slower paddler in the group--then they get to set our speed. If we think their skills aren't up to the trip, we tell them when we launch and suggest they do another trip. Faster paddlers can scout ahead if we know their skills, or better yet, paddle circles around the group. On occasion, we have broken out tow lines to give a slower paddler a boost. We also have an experienced paddler in the sweep position with a radio to slow the leaders down if necessary. When the weather gets a little dicey, we try to break up into pods of three (learned this one the hard way when I had to wet exit in 20-25 knot winds with 10 foot seas. An assisted rescue with only one other boat was not as easy as in our practice sessions. We always keep an experienced paddler or two with the newer ones. Anyway, come join us when you're down here. We love to have kayakers with some decent skills and a lot of common sense join us. Steve Holtzman *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
For kayakers, the rule of tonage should be the guiding principle: if you and your kayak will suffer greater damage than the other vessel in the event of a colision, get out of the way! *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
Paul Raymond <kayaker37_at_hotmail.com> wrote: > Perhaps this is a good time to cover rules of the road? It is no surprise that other boaters regard kayaks as a hazard ... sometimes we behave in unpredictable fashion, and many of us do not know the technical details of the Rules of the Road. (Not that many casual, recreational powerboaters are better in either respect!) Someone else has already recommended David Burch's excellent summary of how the Rules apply to us. Burch incorporates the legal interpretation with what is best in practice, given our limitations. His is the best source I know of as background reading. Learning to judge where you are relative to the channels designated for encumbered vessels, and what the needs might be for sailing vessels that appear to be in your path is a beginning. After that, it is mostly sea time and careful watching of what vessels do. All of this works well when the other players also know and follow the rules. But, because so many "Sunday boat operators" have no clue of the rules, don't care, and may themselves be encumbered (by alcohol or other comestibles), the best approach in heavy traffic is to paddle defensively. It makes sense to watch your back often and carefully. Where I paddle, it is usually possible to choose routes that are in waters too shallow for power boats to use, and that has saved my bacon many times. -- Dave Kruger Astoria, OR *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
From: "Dave Kruger" <dkruger_at_pacifier.com> > Where I paddle, it is usually possible to choose routes that are in waters too > shallow for power boats to use, and that has saved my bacon many times. I think this is the best general advice where applicable. If there's a channel, stay out of it - take advantage of the fact you only draw a few inches and go where other vessels can't. When I have to follow a channel, I follow a parallel path outside the channel marks. The only time I don't do this is when I have to cross a channel and where the channel is limited by a wall that I can't paddle outside of. In open water, make yourself as visible as possible and assume the other guy is an idiot (the same rule applies to driving a car). If you're in a group and are in a heavy traffic area, stick together; there's nothing that irritates the big boaters more than having to contend with lots of kayaks spread all over. I can't disagree with them on this - as a group we shouldn't act like we own the waters any more than anyone else. It just requires common sense and courtesy - unfortunately, both in short supply these days. Mike *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
Michael Daly said: > In open water, make yourself as visible as possible and assume the other > guy is an idiot. Have you ever noticed that with an entire ocean to play in, these idiots always want the drop of water immediately under your boat. Two weeks ago, about 6 of us were heading back to a harbor in Southern CA and were paralleling a breakwater at the harbor entrance. We were about 100 yards away from it and having an interesting time of paddling through the incoming swells and reflected waves off of the rocks. Just then a man in an inflatable with a very young daughter (maybe 7-8) sitting between his legs and driving the boat, made repeated high speed passes at us. The closest land to us was an island 11.5 NM away on the ocean side of us (where they were) so they had plenty of maneuvering room. They must have made 9 or 10 passes at us. I was bracing with one hand while my other hand was in my day hatch trying to get my flare kit out. I was ready to see how a 12 gauge flare would do against a rubber boat. ;-) Short of shooting them, how do you deal with idiots like this? We know they saw us because they would head directly at a boat and turn at the last minute. Once is an accident, but when they kept coming back for more........ Steve Holtzman *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
From: "Steve Holtzman" <sh_at_actglobal.net> > Michael Daly said: > > In open water, make yourself as visible as possible and assume the other > > guy is an idiot. > > Have you ever noticed that with an entire ocean to play in, these idiots > always want the drop of water immediately under your boat. Always... The minority of big boaters buy boats because they want to sail. The majority buy boats because they want to impress people and show off. They can't show off if they're in the middle of nowhere, so they have to pass close to you. Ever notice the number one activity of power boaters seems to be going to a nearby beach and anchoring near shore? There are a gazzillion jet skis on Georgian Bay - kayakers rarely see them. We paddle out among the islands; the jet skiers hang out in little bays near the resort beaches so they can be seen showing off. > Short of shooting them, how do you deal with idiots like this? We know they > saw us because they would head directly at a boat and turn at the last > minute. Once is an accident, but when they kept coming back for more........ This is irresponsible and dangerous boat handling. A call to the Coast Guard seems in order. Unfortunately, a small craft like that probably doesn't have a registration number visible, so tracking the owner is next to impossible. Mike *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
Steve wrote: <SNIP>>>>>>Also, most of our paddling is according to the International Rules on the ocean. The only time we are subject to Inland Rules in our area is when we are behind a harbor breakwater.<<<<< It is my recollection that the International Rules apply on any waters that are navigable to the sea. This includes places like Lake Union (outside my window here at work) because it is connected by locks and a waterway to Puget Sound. Matt Broze www.marinerkayaks.com *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
Matt said: > It is my recollection that the International Rules apply on any waters that > are navigable to the sea. This may very well be the case. My info about behind the breakwater or not came about as a result of a call I made to the local Coast Guard station two years ago. Several of us were planning a crossing of the Santa Barbara Channel to Anacapa Island. We were launching before dawn and were also concerned about fog. Several of the paddlers in the group had strobes on their PFD's and wondered if they could be used to increase our visibility in the dark and possible fog. We knew that according to the Inland Rules, strobes are a distress signal, but according to the International Rules, strobes don't have any meaning. After being transferred from one person to another, a petty officer who spoke with confidence, told us we could turn the strobes on once we were past the breakwater because at that time we would be subject to the International Rules. Before that, since we were in a harbor, it was Inland Rules. I don't know if this Petty Officer was correct, but we did use the strobes after clearing the breakwater. Steve Holtzman *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
"The RULES are divided into two parts, INLAND and INTERNATIONAL. Inland Rules apply to vessels operating inside the line of demarcation while International apply outside. Demarcation lines are printed on most navigation charts and are published in the Navigation Rules." "NAVIGATION RULES" Commandant Instruction M16672.2 Series may be obtained from the US GPO >From "Federal Requirements and Safety Tips for Recreational Boats USCG ----- Original Message ----- From: "Matt Broze" <mkayaks_at_oz.net> To: "Paddlewise" <PaddleWise_at_paddlewise.net> Sent: Tuesday, June 18, 2002 11:36 PM Subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Kayaks...New Hazard? > > It is my recollection that the International Rules apply on any waters that > are navigable to the sea. This includes places like Lake Union (outside my > window here at work) because it is connected by locks and a waterway to > Puget Sound. > *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
----- Original Message ----- From: "Matt Broze" <mkayaks_at_oz.net> > > <SNIP>>>>>>Also, most of our paddling is according to the International > Rules on the > ocean. The only time we are subject to Inland Rules in our area is when we > are behind a harbor breakwater.<<<<< > > It is my recollection that the International Rules apply on any waters that > are navigable to the sea. This includes places like Lake Union (outside my > window here at work) because it is connected by locks and a waterway to > Puget Sound. It is not that simple. The Rules of the Road do delineate what is considered International vs. Inland. But the rules have a strange logic. Every bay, inlet and estuary in Maine is considered International waters but Casco Bay is considered Inland. Long Island Sound, NY Harbor and the Hudson River are Inland Rules. The Strait of Juan de Fuca and your Puget Sound are International. There may be a logic in there somewhere. Possibly waters in states bordering Canada on the coast or Great Lakes. Casco Bay is a wierd one though. ralph *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
> Short of shooting them, how do you deal with idiots like this? We >know they saw us because they would head directly at a boat and turn at >the last minute. Once is an accident, but when they kept coming back >for more........ If you're that close to the harbor, a quick VHF call to the Harbor Patrol or Coast Guard might do the trick. Better yet, just the appearance of your making the call on a radio might scare them off. Shawn Yahoo! - Official partner of 2002 FIFA World Cup http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
Patrick Maun wrote: > > Sounds nice Niels. Kind of reminds me of what Riot is doing in their > whitewater kayaks right now. They're calling it D4 Elastomer Outfitting > or something equally odd. You can see it at: > > http://www.riotkayaks.com/Riot/outfitting.htm The Riot boats are some of the most secure and comfortable short (< 2.5m) kayaks I've ever seen. And I have a Dagger butt. The outfitting works really well. Steve *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
Patrick Maun said: <<< Sounds nice Niels. Kind of reminds me of what Riot is doing in their whitewater kayaks right now. They're calling it D4 Elastomer Outfitting or something equally odd. You can see it at: http://www.riotkayaks.com/Riot/outfitting.htm <<< snip This is the system I'm trying to tweak on my Necky Gliss which I got from a friend without thigh braces. I need to do some testing, as I don't want anything that can get my feet caught-up. A factory system is one thing, but home made may require further safeguard testing. DL *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
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