Re: [Paddlewise] Icebreaker kayaks

I icebreak all winter long in Michigan.  Two weeks ago ice was still
forming overnight on Traverse Bay off Lake Michigan.  I've successfully
navigated ice sheets about 2 cm thick, by carrying an alpinist's ice axe
on a lanyard attached to the lifelines with a carabiner.  I bury the
pick in the ice and haul myself forwards, until (a) the ice breaks under
my weight; or (b) I get to the other side.   I call it "horizontal ice
climbing."   For rivers, I use my Dagger Edisto, which I like for its
flat bottom, but dislike for its vertical prow.  For open water, I favor
my Greenland-style Valley Avocet RM, which slides up onto the ice
easier, but is tippier on large thick sheets.
You're right, that delicate tinkling sound is very special.  And my
wildlife sightings tend to be memorable, too.
Dan Harrison

------------------------------

>Date: Thu, 22 May 2003 09:01:53 -0600
>From: Jim Meldrum <meldrum_at_yourfuture.ab.ca>
>Subject: [Paddlewise] Icebreaker kayaks

>Kayak icebreaking is a unique phenomenon for those of us in northern
>latitudes, I am sure.  

>I was wondering if anybody else out there goes out in their kayaks to
ram
>floating ice sheets?  
[snip]
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