Re: [Paddlewise] Quick correction after being Knocked sideways...... was "A Lollypopsicle Day on the Water"

Steve wrote: -
>We did have a few problems launching because there
>was a very strong rip current on the beach and as
>soon as you got your boat to start floating, you
>were sideways.. Peter got turned around several
>times and decided to finally launch backwards.

Then PeterO asks: -
>Nice description, got me wondering if being knocked sideways in shore
>dumping surf is a common problem.

   Yep, this is a frequent problem for less experienced surf paddlers. You
will find that a "long shore current" is a pretty common occurrence along
shorelines that are exposed to surf. The technique is to first establish if
a current exists, and approximately how strong it is. You will then factor
this information into your launch by angling your boat on the beach into the
current. What happens is that as your boat clears the beach you will reach a
point where most of your boat is in the water but your stern is still
dragging on the sand. This is where your boat is most susceptible to getting
turned sideways. But if you launch at an angle, and your timing is right,
then as you clear the beach the current will be straightening your boat out,
rather then turning it broadside to the beach.

   BTW, a "rip current" is a whole different animal, and while they will
also produce long shore currents to their sides, if you launch in the center
of a rip current, where the water is being "sucked" off the beach and drawn
out to sea, then you can often get a fast and easy launch from it,
frequently avoiding the surf altogether.

Scott
So.Cal.
***************************************************************************
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/
***************************************************************************