[Paddlewise] Piercings

G'day Doug'

Thanks for the information on the VHF radio - the advice on tethers vs buoyancy is well taken.

And thanks Gordon for having the temerity to ask what piercing meant - I thought it might refer to the tiny pin hole I discovered a month ago in the hull of my kayak, it must have been a sharp shell that pierced the keel line. Scared the living daylights out of me as I pondered the implications if it had been forard or aft into a bulkhead protected area on a long crossing! I'm now paddling with flotation bags behind the bulkheads just in case it ever happens again. 

Then I thought it might refer to the dental problems suffered by a shark that attacked a mate of mine John Wilde - story on http://www.laurieford.net/shark.html 
We were in awe and wonder of John's story though my mother in law took a different view and expressed concern for the shark and even when I explained that their teeth regrow she opined that the shark must have left with a very sore jaw. She's keen on kayaking stories and must have understood how solid John's boats are.

Re rock gardens and the true meaning of piercing. I was running throuhgh rock gardens with Lippy and Jan two weeks ago and we found ourseves in a string of gauntlets starting between two high rocks then opening out, with one side faced with almost submerged rocks and a cliff face and the other side exposed to sea and waves breaking with a period of about a minute. The way ahead of this gap was between two more large rocks. I mistimed the exposed gap with a 1 metre wave breaking and braced solidly fully expecting to hit the adjacent rock and wanting to ensure it was the hull and not me that was pierced. The wave broke over and under me with the backwash providing a cushion against the rock I thought I was going to impact. That was my last gauntlet for the day as I'd run out of judgement and running out of luck would be next. Discussing it later I was told its not that uncommon for smaller waves to exhibit that kind of cushioning effect. Not sure I'd want to test the propositio
n too often though. 

Any way I paddle a Pittarak that is strong and very manoeverable in rock gardens and have on occasion found your piercing manoever to be a great saviour - the last time was that same weekend when we were exploring a cave that reputedly was not subject to breaking waves - of course the breaking wave of the day occurred and both Jan and I "pierced" determinedly to take it bow on and avoid being thrown beam on to a rather rocky beach at the back.

Its quite strange getting back into kayaking after ten months off the water. There's a memory of familiarity with my boat and skills and decision making but all those memories are a bit deceptive. The skills need to be rehoned.

All the best, PeterO
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