kayaker’s
journal
BETTER OFF DEAD RECKONING. PHOTO: VIRGINIA MARSHALL
SKILLS BY CONOR MIHELL FOGGY NOTIONS SIX SOLUTIONS FOR STAYING ON COURSE IN THE SOUP
It’s only when we pull out a chart and compare it to reality that my friend Craig and I realize the magnitude of the endeavor we’re about to attempt. Our destination, tiny Caribou Island, a mop-topped sandbank in the heart of Lake Superior, lies 22 nautical miles from our gravel beach on the south shore of Michipicoten Is- land. Today, the yawning gulf of open water depicted on the chart is represented in real life by a swirling mass of gauzy fog. A quick compass bearing taken on the chart
reveals the truth: To stray merely 2.5 degrees on either side of our intended bearing would see us paddling over 100 kilometers until we hit the nearest land. Even the best-made plans would have us playing a dangerous game of dice. We’re fogbound.
DEAD RECKON Before setting off in the fog, measure the dis- tance of your intended route using a map or chart. Then estimate your time of passage by
dividing the distance by your average paddling speed. Keep tabs of your progress on the water with a wristwatch and have a backup plan just in case your target doesn’t appear on time. This usually means a direct bearing to the nearest sizeable point of land.
AIM OFF Always err on the side of caution when plan- ning a low-visibility crossing.
Intentionally
follow a compass bearing toward a prominent landmass—or backstop—adjacent to your destination. Aiming off is especially important in currents and windy conditions, or on long crossings, where the risks of screwing up are considerably higher.
TRUST YOUR COMPASS While GPS units are handy for gauging your speed, the distance from your destination and ad- justing to the vagaries of wind and current, a deck- mounted compass is your best ally in navigating low-vis conditions because of its simple, hands-
free operation. So long as you’ve remembered to pack the steelcooking pots and canned beans in the back hatch, a compass is also extremely accu- rate. Deploy your rudder or skeg while following a compass course to keep on track.
GROUP DYNAMICS Clearly defined lead and sweep roles help while navigating in the fog. The leader follows a com- pass course while the paddler at the rear of the pack confirms the group’s progress on the bear- ing. In dense fog, visibility can be just a few feet so sticking close together to maintain visual contact is essential.
RULES OF THE ROAD If you must cross shipping lanes in foggy con- ditions, use your VHF radio to inform mari- ners of your intended route and time of pas- sage. Rumor has it that placing a wad of tinfoil beneath your hat works as a radar deflector, but don’t count on its effectiveness.
HANDRAIL When the option exists, it’s always more inter- esting, safer and less stressful to paddle a few extra miles and follow the coastline rather than striking off in the fog across open water. When the fog lifts, freelance writer Conor Mi-
hell can most often be spotted on his home waters of Lake Superior.
www.adventurekayakmag.com 29
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