Know How CAMPCRAFT | TECHNIQUE | FOOD | GEAR | EXPERT TIP | CANOES My cure for seasickness is to
find a giant pine and hug it. PHOTO: JONATHAN PRATT
[ teChnique ]
Rough Water Tactics C
8 TIPS FOR BIG LAKE TRAVEL
resting whitecaps, furious winds and me- tre-high seas—many canoeists have har-
rowing campfire tales of fighting to stay afloat as the wind and weather changed rapidly. When piloting through rough waters, use these tactics to stay upright and (relatively) dry.
INSTALL A SPRAY DECK » “It provides a drier and safer time in rough water,” says Morgan Goldie of North Water, manufacturers of expe- dition proven spray decks. “Aside from helping reduce the effects of wind on the boat and help keep water out of the boat,” he adds, “a spray deck can also aid in keeping the paddlers’ legs and bodies warmer during inclement weather and act as an emergency shelter in a pinch.”
PREVENT SEASICKNESS » The time-hon- oured herbal remedy of ginger root effectively prevents swell-induced queasiness. Available in pill form or as chewable candies—take the recommended dosage before heading out on the water. If you get sick, remember to lean straight forward, not over the side—this is not the time or place to flip.
TRIM YOUR CANOE » A properly balanced canoe is important for performance and stabil- ity in rough conditions. Think about keeping canoe packs, barrels and paddlers as low and centred as possible. Sliding seats can help fine- tune the balance of a loaded canoe once you are on the water. Weight your canoe slightly fore of centre for a headwind and slightly aft of centre for a tailwind.
TRY A DOUBLE BLADE » Although traditional- ists might scorn the use of double-bladed pad- dles, they’re ideal for big lakewater travel. Even the late expedition canoeist, Herb Pohl, swore by it, as it allows the paddler to brace quickly on either side in unpredictable conditions.
TIME YOUR SURF LAUNCHES AND LAND- INGS » Before heading out from, or in to, the beach, take time to study the conditions in
20 SUMMER/FALL 2010
the surf zone. Avoid areas with large cresting waves and submerged rocks. Once in the surf zone, always stay perpendicular to the waves to avoid broaching. Launching into surf can be difficult, so maintaining power and direc- tion through the break zone is important. Any bailing can be done once you clear the area. When landing, avoid surfing a wave to shore. Instead, paddle in the trough—back-paddling as needed to stay off the face—and aim to reach shore on the back of the wave crest in front of you. Once you hit the beach, jump out and pull your canoe out of the way before the next wave crashes down.
STEER CLEAR OF HEADLANDS AND STEEP CLIFFS » In rough conditions, waves typically bounce off these features, creating what is known as reflection waves. In turn, these reflec- tion waves interact with incoming waves, form-
ing confused and choppy seas. When planning your route, use topographic maps or charts to plot a smoother course around these obstacles.
SET A FERRY ANGLE » Crossing to an island in strong wind and waves is like paddling in current. Use a ferry angle to off-set the forces working on the canoe.
ACCURATELY GAUGE THE SIZE OR POWER OF WAVES » Depending on wave height and length, rough water conditions can be a fun challenge or hellish struggle. Beware of tall waves with short wavelengths, as these lead to cresting waves that will quickly swamp a canoe. Avoid taking any waves broadside. If in doubt, a wise paddler once gave me this advice, “It’s better to be on shore wishing you were on the water, than to be on the water wishing you were on shore.”—Jonathan Pratt
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