|
anything over 15 knots to include mention of 20 knot gusts etc I'm staying home...I don't have a hobie yet and my yak requires a lot of muscle power to move. Everyone has different physical abilities/strength/endurance but there is a point even an Olympian would be no match for mother nature...or superman.
A few years ago I went out in some pretty sketchy conditions...weather turned bad quick to include wind and current. Played it like a riptide instead of fighting the wind and current I went parallel to the beach to get closer to shore. Took me south a good bit. Once near the breakers but well away from the impact zone I can track back easier than way out in the open ocean fighting all that win d etc. The closer to the shoreline we have cliffs/structure that will help reduce that wind.Just like surfing...all that paddling against the current to stay in the spot. I've surfed some pretty sick conditions during hurricanes etc so I'm pretty comfortable in slop but on a yak your at the peril of mother nature. If you do get stuck in a wind that is unbeatable try the riptide method as long as it's not coming straight from the east...then you are screwed...channel 16.
I have had thoughts about using a leash but I just don't want to get tangled up if I need to boogie
During days when I think I might need some insurance I will pack some churchill bodyboarding fins. They even make smaller versions now that are lighter and more compact and not as big as churchills. I have dakine ankle leashes for these that strap the fins to your ankles.
Give me a pair of fins and I can stay up almost indefinitely and swim to shore if need be.
With all that said the ocean has it's dangers and it's not worth the risk to head out past your abilities. If you don't see anyone out on a kayak and the conditions are questionable don't go.
|