I will be paddling solo around the Apostle Islands in August and was interested in knowing the groups thoughts on using a Drogue or other sea anchors. I checked out our archive on that topic which I think was around 1999 and one model Ralph Diaz seemed to like was the Driftstopper by Boulter of Earth. I could not find any stores on the web that had it but on a commercial boating site they had many types which I would expect to be way to big to easily handle and work properly for a kayak. Only one by CAL-JUNE, the Horsehoe or MOB Pole Drogue which was 10 inches in diameter seemed like it might be ok and was listed as: Used to slow the drift of a horseshoe buoy or Man Overboard Package. Nylon with vinyl pouch. Does anyone know of where I can find a Driftstopper or would this be overkill for Lake Superior. I don’t have any experience with sea anchors and how useful they are in fresh water with the different wave dynamics than saltwater. The trip is in late August which is typically a RELATIVELY calm month but the Coast Guard there said that rough seas are still possible. Also, what sort of hull rigging modifications do these require? Can you use them on rental or borrowed boats where I won’t be able to mount any gear? Regards, Bob Chicago *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
I have never felt a need for a sea anchor in the Apostle Islands. Crossings between islands rarely exceed an hour. If a gale comes up, just land and wait it out. Normally, the weather radio would warn of such strong winds hours, if not days, in advance. The exception would be strong winds associated with isolated summer thunderstorms, but such storms do not normally last long, and would not blow you far. Lightning would be a far greater concern. The only time I would consider carrying a sea anchor on Lake Superior would be if I were planning to cross the lake. BTW, surface water temperatures in the Apostles in August are typically in the mid-60s. And the flies should be gone by then. Chuck Holst *************************************************************************** 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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