Re: [Paddlewise] Catalina for Lunch Crossings, 38 NM-Video Report

Duane,
Quite an excellent history of crossings and thanks for posting the video for 
this one.  Several questions:

1) I presume you have GP's of different lengths.  For a long paddle like 
this do you choose a particular length and is that length different from one 
you would use in a normal day paddle?

2) What is your pattern of eating, drinking and resting during the crossing?

3) Your stats over of 5.5 hr for 19 nm is an average of 3.45 kts.  I presume 
your speed underway is somewhat faster, guessing 3.75 kts or so, still a 
fairly relaxed pace.  In knot meter tests with my own boats I have found a 
relatively easy pace to be between 4.0 and 4.25 kts, although I have never 
attempted to maintain this for 5 or 6 hr.  Have you tried to do the crossing 
at a slightly faster speed in order to reduce time on the water?  In 
general, how do you decide on the best speed?  Do you think a faster boat 
would provide any significant advantage?

4) What makes you so confident that you can avoid a large ship in the 
channel?  Is it not difficult to gauge its direction and speed?

Jerry


> I just completed my sixth Catalina for Lunch crossings, which consist of 
> paddling 19 NM to Catalina Island in Southern California, having lunch, 
> and paddle back the same day, making for a 38 NM day. This time I did it 
> solo.
>
> I used a GP for the crossings, and it worked wonderfully. No blisters or 
> sore joints to report the day after, and that was doing it in a rudderless 
> and skegless kayak. My crossing times were pretty good too.
>
> Anyway, the video report is at:
>
> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXmQR5yIIho
>
> or you can read the trip report at:
>
> http://www.rollordrown.com/ci4lunch.html
>
> Duane
***************************************************************************
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/
***************************************************************************