[Paddlewise] Kayaks and River Entrances and Bars - the condensed version

On 9/6/07, Rcgibbert_at_aol.com <Rcgibbert_at_aol.com> wrote:
>
>
> I've spent some time in river bars and large inlets draining to sea.


I changed the subject line to help keep one thread continuous; I hope no one
minds. I knew Rob would add some valuable insight to this topic. When I went
to look through the photo link Rob provided I found that he had some perfect
examples of paddling in a rip:

http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2652135450067748792mfwIxf

When you look at this photograph notice the triangular-shaped wave on the
far side of the kayak. This is a perfect example of the waves a paddler can
encounter when crossing an active bar (or in a rip). These waves are the
mathematical sum of several conflicting currents and they are very difficult
to predict. They seem to form spontaneously  and then disappear just as
quickly. I don't mind the ones next to me as much as the ones that appear
under me.

This is what I mean when I say "interesting" waves.

Here is another incredibly great photo of rip waves (with Nigel Dennis):

http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2456100460067748792YYDnXf

For paddlers used to "wave trains" this type of wave can be a disquieting
experience. But as amazing as it seems, they can be fun to paddle in once
you've lost any semblance of the sanity you might have once had. There are 4
or 5 of these photographs and I'm hoping Rob will explain where he was when
he took them (a jetty?).


Craig Jungers
Royal City, WA
***************************************************************************
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/
***************************************************************************