Re: [Paddlewise] Weird Shoals or Beating Dumpy

> The more relaxed we got and the less we trusted our eyes, the easier the
> balance got.  With eyes closed, it was downright relaxing.  I think a
> big part of the problem in this kind of water is that we attempt to
> anticipate what our eyes tell us will happen rather than just let the
> boat keep itself up by leaving it be.  I found paddling along the cliff
> without a paddle no harder than with, only slower.
>
> Jim Tibensky

Wow Jim, you have to have a big set of "antinodes" to close your eyes in a 
situation like that.

I find the Oregon coast a bit different from Vancouver Island's west coast 
when it comes to clapotis and other gnarly hydraulics. Seems like even far 
out the sea bed shallows extensively with sand whereas much of the 
V.Island's west coast the sea is fairly deep right up to close to the cliffs 
(unless you are atop and extensive shelving reef, common to some locations). 
On island escapades I can loiter at the base of a cliff on a good swell day 
but the same attempts on the Oregon coast yielded a more compelling 
sentimentality that made me way more cautious in these domains as I explored 
further and at times a little desperate as I plowed through rock gardens 
full boar, sidesurfing over jagged reefs wondering if I'd ever be released 
from the grip of the waves. Upside down was even more interesting. The water 
was clear and you could see the rocks whizzing by beneath your helmet. Solo, 
one really was playing Russian Roulette where there was a possibility of 
getting knocked unconscious, though even with a team of paddlers, one 
shouldn't be provoked to take more chances. So, I have a lot of respect for 
open water, Oregonian playboaters. I'd also say that a minimum 22'" wide 
boat with a bit of a flat hull would be the ideal.

I'm not sure how many Paddlewisers, or other paddlers out there for that 
matter, paddle to remote wilderness where interesting hydraulics present 
themselves to the eager paddler. I've done base camping in the vicinity of 
San Joseph Bay, North Brooks, and Pachena Bay (Port Renfrew from a vehicle) 
with the sole purpose of finding lumpy, dump-the-frumpy stuff to find severe 
hydraulics. It works best if you have toured the area before, know the local 
conditions, and can come back without the soulish draw of needing to go off 
seeing new coast as you already know it, so are content to zero in on the 
more technical sections you normally avoid or pass through quickly when 
conditions were a go with your fully loaded boat. It is a different kind of 
kayaking that while requiring good equipment and skill levels and confidence 
in those two items, it really equates more with a fascination for the 
reciprocality of safety and a desire to dance at the edge of extreme 
vulnerability and exposure. If there is a risk reduction in this type of 
paddling possible (for the solo paddler, especially) it comes from earning 
the right to be out there by working hard to acquire the ability to handle 
the unexpected and keep a level head. Being at peace with your Maker and 
having good life insurance helps. And don't be a do-or-die dweeb. Back off 
if it feels all wrong or if you are loosing touch with reality. You and your 
kayak can only survive so much abuse. That applies to one's spirit too. But 
do be careful, the full-facial grins garnered on day-long sorties can crack 
sunburnt lips and cause irregular tan lines between your cheeks and 
eyebrows. Such are the hazards on my west coast. :-)

By the way, clapotis rarely gets you airborn. The down-plash of the wave can 
implode sprayskirts; keeping your arms in the classic tighter box of 
shoulder-injury prevention is a good idea, and make sure everything on you 
deck is secure. Don't be a rookie!



Doug Lloyd 
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