I was over in Seattle picking up doodads for the mutha-ship and managed to get a Latitude 38 magazine from San Francisco. All Bay Area and most cruising sailors are familiar with Lat 38 but kayakers may not be. It's geared to the Bay Area sailors and to the cruisers mainly in Baja California and the articles are usually well written and authoritative by people who have not only "been there" but are very likely "out there" right now. I should know... I was one of them back in the 80s. <grin> This issue (current for this month) had a short discussion on "sneaker waves" in the Letters section that I thought would be appropriate for paddlers. Sneaker waves have been around forever. I've had a few friends get hit by them. They occur along the Pacific coast of North America mainly in the winter and spring months and seem to be caused by long-period waves generated by storms in the western North Pacific Ocean. These long-period waves behave somewhat like Tsunamis in that they carry an enormous amount of energy and they are almost unnoticed in deep water but release their energy in shoal water or around rocks.They are not well understood yet and there is a certain amount of controversy regarding what, exactly, they are. One thing is fairly obvious though... they are very dangerous to boaters in shallow coastal waters. And that is where paddlers come in. Sailboaters and other coastal cruisers generally don't get into shallow water until they are approaching land either to enter a harbor or anchorage or are in the process of departing. Kayaks, on the other hand, spend a lot of time in shallow water because that's where almost all the fun is. Basically what paddlers on the west coast of North America need to be aware of is wave period. Check offshore wave-rider buoys and if the swell period is greater than about 5 minutes be very cautious when paddling in shallow water exposed to the open ocean. If the swell period rises to 14 minutes be on constant alert. A story to illustrate the nature of these is about cruising friends of mine who were approaching an anchorage north of Morro Bay. It was getting dark and the seas were flat calm with a long rolling swell. As they were motoring in they passed a well-marked rock (giving it what they thought was plenty of room) when their boat was suddenly picked up by a huge sea and washed over that rock. This was in a 38-foot, 25,000 pound cruising sailboat!! No one was injured but a lot of water made its way below and they spent an extra week in Morro Bay drying things out. It also resulted in a rule we all subsequently followed: all companionways, hatches, and portlights are closed and dogged down tight and all crew on deck wears PFDs and are clipped into the lifelines. As I said earlier, there is some controversy as to the exact nature of these waves. This is partly because there is often only one wave in what otherwise might only be relatively calm water and ocean scientists don't like the idea of one wave rising up from nowhere. Nevertheless, "sneaker waves" are well documented even if they are not well understood. If you paddle the open ocean along the west coast of North American (and, for all I know, any coastline open to a fetch that extends thousands of miles) watch for long-period swells and be ready any time you are in shallow water or around reefs and rocks. Craig Jungers Moses Lake, 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/ ***************************************************************************
Craig Jungers wrote: > Basically what paddlers on the west coast of North America need to be aware > of is wave period. Check offshore wave-rider buoys and if the swell period > is greater than about 5 minutes be very cautious when paddling in shallow > water exposed to the open ocean. If the swell period rises to 14 minutes be > on constant alert. You mean "5 seconds" and "14 seconds," yes, Craig? > As I said earlier, there is some controversy as to the exact nature of these > waves. This is partly because there is often only one wave in what otherwise > might only be relatively calm water and ocean scientists don't like the idea > of one wave rising up from nowhere. I've always heard sneakers explained as the result of constructive interference of two waves from slightly different sources, such that a single wave (the result of two combined) "jumps" out of the blue. However, there is a more erudite discussion of possible causes here, under "rogue waves:" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freak_wave In addition, some feel a wave like Craig describes may be a "soliton:" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soliton [Googling up "soliton" will lead you to lots of very deep stuff -- solitons are thought to be a branch of nonlinear science.] Take your pick. Stuff like this is hard to pin down, scientifically, because it is hard to reproduce in a laboratory (wave lab). -- Dave Kruger Astoria, OR *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
On Jan 19, 2008 12:14 AM, Dave Kruger <kdruger_at_pacifier.com> wrote: > > You mean "5 seconds" and "14 seconds," yes, Craig? Oops... yes... seconds not minutes. Ack! I've always heard sneakers explained as the result of constructive > interference of two waves from slightly different sources, such that a > single wave (the result of two combined) "jumps" out of the blue. > However, > there is a more erudite discussion of possible causes here, under "rogue > waves:" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freak_wave Various groups associated with the ocean have their own interpretations of sneaker waves (and their own nomenclature, too). A "rogue" wave on the ocean is very likely a combination of two (or more) heavy seas plus upwellings or currents. But that's out in the open ocean and generally in the very rough open ocean. One of the characteristics of "sneaker" waves is that they are unnoticed in deep water but potentially catastrophic when the water suddenly shoals. But it's possible that a combination of two long-period swells could be the cause of the single "sneaker" wave. This would help explain the way "sneaker waves" appear out of the blue in what is a calm ocean (as described by people who have been snuck-up upon). Long-period swells may not be obvious on a day with no wind. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freak_wave> > > Take your pick. Stuff like this is hard to pin down, scientifically, > because it is hard to reproduce in a laboratory (wave lab). I've always been attracted to "non linear science" because there is just so much of it around. Especially in fluids. Chaotic behavior is always more interesting to me than predictable behavior. :) Regardless of the cause, the name, or the science; there are unpredictably large waves that seem to be associated with long-period (5 seconds and over) swells in the winter and spring months. If you paddle in shallow watter exposed to the open ocean you should check for swell periods on the offshore wave rider buoys and behave in whatever you believe is your best interest. One question I had is why so many of these "sneaker" wave problems seem to occur in what is described as calm conditions. Long-period swells must also occur on days when the wind blows, too. But maybe boaters tend to stay farther from shoaling water when it's obviously rough. Didja launch the bartender yet? Craig Jungers Moses Lake, 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/ ***************************************************************************
Craig Jungers wrote: > Regardless of the cause, the name, or the science; there are > unpredictably large waves that seem to be associated with long-period (5 > seconds and over) swells in the winter and spring months. If you paddle > in shallow watter exposed to the open ocean you should check for swell > periods on the offshore wave rider buoys and behave in whatever you > believe is your best interest. Craig, I'd boost that 5 seconds to 8 to 12. The wave period is pretty much always above 7-8 around here and maybe 50% of the time over 10-12. Wave energy scales as the cube of the period (more or less), so small changes in period can generate big changes in wave intensity. > One question I had is why so many of these "sneaker" wave problems seem > to occur in what is described as calm conditions. Long-period swells > must also occur on days when the wind blows, too. But maybe boaters tend > to stay farther from shoaling water when it's obviously rough. I think that is the case: it is association and perception, not "objective" observation. > Didja launch the bartender yet? Very close. Down to last minute outfitting, fueling, etc. More photos soon on this site (go to the bottom): http://www.pbase.com/bartenderdave/204_bartender_part_iii -- Dave Kruger Astoria, OR *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
On Jan 19, 2008 10:33 AM, Dave Kruger <kdruger_at_pacifier.com> wrote: > > Craig, I'd boost that 5 seconds to 8 to 12. The wave period is pretty > much > always above 7-8 around here and maybe 50% of the time over 10-12. Wave > energy scales as the cube of the period (more or less), so small changes > in > period can generate big changes in wave intensity. Ya... that seems right to me... certainly around 14 seconds period has been documented to produce at least one sneaker wave. > > Very close. Down to last minute outfitting, fueling, etc. More photos > soon > on this site (go to the bottom): > http://www.pbase.com/bartenderdave/204_bartender_part_iii You've done an excellent job on that boat and it really shows. I can't wait to see it in person. :) Craig Jungers Moses Lake, 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/ ***************************************************************************
> > Very close. Down to last minute outfitting, fueling, etc. More photos > > soon > > on this site (go to the bottom): > > http://www.pbase.com/bartenderdave/204_bartender_part_iii > > > You've done an excellent job on that boat and it really shows. I can't wait > to see it in person. :) > > Craig Jungers > Moses Lake, WA I'm anxiously waiting for my personal invitation to come onboard for the maiden voyage. As, I'm sure, everyone else on the list is as well. I sent my drysuit out for dry-cleaning and pressing. I do want to look sharp for the occasion! (Does one wear black or white tie with a drysuit?) -- Darryl *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
On Jan 19, 2008 5:52 PM, Darryl <Darryl.Johnson_at_sympatico.ca> wrote: > > I sent my drysuit out for dry-cleaning and pressing. I do want to > look sharp for the occasion! (Does one wear black or white tie with a > drysuit?) > I'm a little rusty on the formalities of formal wear... but I'd guess that a black tie so it doesn't clash with your black kayak booties. :) Knowing Kruger I think anyone who shows up should be prepared to be put to work! :) Craig Jungers Moses Lake, 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/ ***************************************************************************
I wear a multi-coloured bungie with mine! Darryl wrote: > I'm anxiously waiting for my personal invitation to come onboard for > the maiden voyage. As, I'm sure, everyone else on the list is as > well. > > I sent my drysuit out for dry-cleaning and pressing. I do want to > look sharp for the occasion! (Does one wear black or white tie with a > drysuit?) *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
Darryl wrote: >>> Very close. Down to last minute outfitting, fueling, etc. > I'm anxiously waiting for my personal invitation to come onboard for > the maiden voyage. As, I'm sure, everyone else on the list is as > well. > > I sent my drysuit out for dry-cleaning and pressing. I do want to > look sharp for the occasion! (Does one wear black or white tie with a > drysuit?) Strictly neoprene. This is a middle-class boat. Craig's is high-class. -- Dave Kruger Astoria, OR *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
On Jan 19, 2008 7:57 PM, Dave Kruger <kdruger_at_pacifier.com> wrote: > > Strictly neoprene. This is a middle-class boat. Craig's is high-class. > So that's what ya call a 1974 boat that cost $3500. I was wonderin'. Craig Jungers High Class in Moses Lake, 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/ ***************************************************************************
> So that's what ya call a 1974 boat that cost $3500. I was wonderin'. > > > Craig Jungers A hole in the water you pour money into. Been there done that! Bob *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
On Jan 19, 2008 11:11 PM, Bob Carter <revkayak_at_aptalaska.net> wrote: > > A hole in the water you pour money into. > Been there done that! > I dunno about you but I keep my boat on a trailer. That way the money filters out at the bottom. :) Craig Jungers Crawling around under the mutha-ship in... Moses Lake, 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/ ***************************************************************************
Craig Jungers wrote: > On Jan 19, 2008 11:11 PM, Bob Carter <revkayak_at_aptalaska.net> wrote: > > >> A hole in the water you pour money into. >> Been there done that! > I dunno about you but I keep my boat on a trailer. That way the money > filters out at the bottom. :) Maybe you should put a tarp *under* the boat to catch the money and run it through again? *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
There is a lot of energy in long waves. This energy can be concentrated in several ways to create sneaker waves. Even if all the waves are uniform in size and have arrived at the shore from a single distant storm, the underwater topography off shore can bend the waves in such a way to focus them onto an area. If that area is also shallow the slowing of the wave front can create an even higher amplitude wave at the shallows. Combine that with the focused waves crossing each other right at the shallows at the right time and a much larger wave can result because the two wave amplitudes are additive. A jetty (I forget where--somewhere on the west coast I think, maybe CA) had stood for years until it was battered apart when long low waves arrived from just the right direction to get them focused on the jetty by the underwater topography further out. Recall that longer waves "feel the bottom a lot deeper than shorter waves so this focusing of even one wave trains energy can also happen out in somewhat deeper water than with shorter waves. If you have long waves coming from two or more different storms arriving at the same time, out of phase, and from different directions you could get even higher amplitude waves where the crests all add together at the same time. If this large hump of water from combined wave crests also happened to be shoaling at the same time they came together it will jump up far higher. It would be rare to all come together at once but it happens and if you are paddling there at the same time you will probably be lucky if all you have to do is clean your shorts afterward. My understanding is that a "Wave of Translation" or soliton is a wave that moves water from one place to another. The most common one we are likely to see clearly is the soup wave that runs up the beach after a wave enters shallow enough water to destroy its normal orbital wave motion and break. If you watch this for awhile you will also see waves formed in this near shore zone that aren't breaking and aren't soups, but well up in a single smooth steep wave (often somewhat crossing the breaking soups). Other instances of Waves of translation could be the waves at the front of a tidal flow entering a narrowing channel that focuses the energy such as the Bay of Fundy, Turnigan Arm in AK, the mouth of the Amazon and several other river mouths abound the world (known as tidal bores). The one example Russell noticed from the suddenly stopped barge (my guess it grounded on shallows is why it stopped) and wrote about can also be seen by kayakers entering very shallow water on a dead calm day. The kayaks wake changes its usually constant angle and the angle swings forward (making it more obtuse) until it is going nearly straight out from the bow (or possibly just in front of the bow) at each side of the bow. Try looking for it the next time you are paddling fast into uniformly deep, roughly 6" to 8" deep, shallow water on a calm day. Once I read about and knew what to look for I've noticed it many times. Matt Broze www.marinerkayaks.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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