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/ ***************************************************************************
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In a message dated 9/6/2007 7:57:05 PM Pacific Daylight Time, crjungers_at_gmail.com writes: This condensed version should serve as a basis for discussion. Paddlewise is lucky to have a large contingent of expert paddlers experienced in crossing river bars. Kruger, Gibbert, et. al. will certainly point out any follies I've inadvertently written. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> There are no follies here, just concise information as usual Craig. For some reason, my post on the subject has not yet appeared. Probably because the amount of links I attached to it. The biggest thing you need to understand about coastal paddling and river bars in particular is that you need to get really big on your world view. Let's go to the beach and paddle! Ok, great. The rains have been heavy, the tide is springs, might get windy and you've not looked at the chart in a long time. You have done the area successfully in the past and you will stay in a Holiday Inn Express. Don't be that paddler. Be the paddler that measures every little piece of data and puts it up to a big chart in his or her head and says don't paddle today, or paddle today. Not all river bars are influenced by man, believe it or not. The ones not influenced by man's structures and gimmicks can get really wild. The shoaling changes with the storms and you might want to set aside a good piece of time to watch the paths in the current and breakers before you paddle. Actually, that advise is salient for any river bar. I was able once to eddy out behind a sandbar that, though I could have floated over it, the foam pile was so weak it could do nothing to me. Natural bars can also effect you in places that you would think you are free from its effects. Nuh uh. Any decent size stream will carry a load of sediment and over time produce the kind of bottom you wish you weren't floating over at the time you chose. In a word, choose the time, know the nav, have good company and you'll be just fine. Cheers, Rob G ************************************** Get a sneak peek of the all-new AOL at http://discover.aol.com/memed/aolcom30tour *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
Actually, those pics were taken in Anglesey at Penrhyn Mawr, a well known race. That was a fun day, just a small swell countering an opposing wind of maybe 15 knots and about 3-4 knots of current. The photographer was Rowland Woolven. I forgot to demist my lens that day so my pictures look like they were taken from the sea floor. Regards, Rob G On 9/6/07, _Rcgibbert_at_aol.com _ (mailto:Rcgibbert_at_aol.com) <_Rcgibbert_at_aol.com_ (mailto: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_ (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_ (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 ************************************** See what's new at http://www.aol.com *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
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