<Sid> > > Second, we all know kayaks never want to go where we want to go in > > > difficult conditions. The kayak going through the surf is going to > > > go where it wants. It may capsize, is may turn sideways - increasing > > > the area for the surf to hit it, it may get filled with water at > > > 8lbs per gallon. > <Niels> It will definitely capsise, even roll. It will not turn sideways, since > the "anchor" is dragging from the front. ----------I don't think you can count on this. The wave action will not affect the swimmer and the kayak with the same forces and direction simultaneously. Not only will swimmer and kayak be separated by the tow line (hence different forces at a given time), but the swimmer will also be subjected to currents below the surface, while the kayak will not. <Niels> The kayak will be pushed in the direction of the beach much faster then > the swimmer, so the rope will be tight all the time. In surf smaller > then, say, 4 feet, you will not get "thrashed" anyway, you can more or > less walk through, while 4 feet can be quite a surf to handle in a > kayak. ---------As above: the kayak will be pushed in the direction of the beach more forcefully SOME of the time, but not consistenly. Consequently, there will be slack in the line at times. It's hard to imagine being able to hold onto the line when it becomes taut as your (possibly) breeched boat is hit by a dumper. > <Niels> I'll explain why I ask the question. I'm preparing myself and my > equipment for another 3 week vacation on the shores of Corsica, in the > Mediterranian. I'm planning some overnight trips, camping on small, > steep beaches or rocks, far from civilisation, and more important, fresh > water. Naturally I will carry extra food and water for, say, 2 days, but > waiting out a Mistral for the usual 5 days may not be an option. On the > open water we're talking a fresh breeze and some cute waves to play > with, while on a rocky beach you may find a murderous surfzone of about > 10 meters wide. ------ Use your charts, find beaches that are most likely to have relatively milder surf zones, plan well (so that you can reach those beaches) and carry more water. Have a wonderful trip and please post a trip report. ------Returning to a previous point: it should be relatively easy to "punch through" 4-foot surf if you have a strong forward stroke, a good brace, and some flexibility at the waist. In essence, get some forward speed as you and the wave approach one another. As you meet the wave, duck forward and tuck the paddle to one side next to the deck, in line with the boat (so that the wave doesn't catch it). Be ready to brace and paddle like heck when you come out the other side. And please wear a helmet. Bob V *************************************************************************** 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 Thu Apr 03 2003 - 16:35:53 PST
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