[Paddlewise] The Perfect Paddle

Gordin said (big snip):
>>>Sunday last, the weather forecasters were calling for the second
significant storm of the season to hit Victoria BC on Wednesday...We'd
travelled less then 10 nautical miles, flirted with a perfect oncoming
storm, had a lot of fun and made sound decision based on our knowledge and
interpretations of the weather and water.  It was a great day.<<<

Great post Gordin. Thanks. I'm glad someone is getting out. This time of
year is perfect storm paddling weather. The water temps and air temps are
still relatively mild, certainly the moist, tropical air makes for
delightful - if humid - rough water paddling. By December, the storms take
on a more menacing tone given the preponderance of a cooler climate context.

For me, keeping within safe boundaries while pushing the envelop is a
balancing act, but one achievable with the kind of maturity your post
exhibits (I assume it was a valid reflection of what  transpired that day).
I prefer the squally, gusting fronts, as I can still make headway between
the gusts. The sustained ones do get a little challenging once you commit
yourself though. Good to see you working the buddy system. I'd prefer that
modus operandi too, but it can be difficult with the logistics and various
comfort levels.

Storm paddling: it's all about being safe, that big grin at the end of the
day, and the eradication of one's urban irritability that so easily melts
away out in the waves.

Doug Lloyd
Victoria BC



***************************************************************************
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/
***************************************************************************