journal k ayaker’s TREAT HOTSPOTS
BEFORE NOW. PHOTO: CONOR MIHELL
KAYAK Q&A BY CONOR MIHELL
HANDY TIPS FOR HANDS AND STAYING STRAIGHT IN WIND
My hands take a beating from sun, cold and chafing on extended trips. How can I reduce the abuse?
Year-round paddling exposes Michigan’s Nancy Uschold to everything from sub- freezing temperatures to searing sun. For maximum dexterity in the shoulder seasons, the American Canoe Association instruc- tor prefers to use 0.5-mil neoprene gloves; for winter paddling, Uschold likes thicker lobster-style neoprene gloves that keep the thumb and index finger separate. Only if it’s “really cold” will she resort to layering gloves and fleece-lined nylon pogies. Uschold suffers from sun poisoning—a
phenomenon where excessive exposure to the sun causes painful sores on the hands. Apply- ing waterproof sunblock is one solution, but this wears off over the course of the day, so she’s discovered better protection with thin, open-palmed, cycling-style gloves. Putting on full-palm gloves the minute
she feels a hotspot coming on takes care of blisters. Moist skin blisters more easily, so keeping hands and gloves dry is key. Ocean paddlers should also regularly rinse hands and paddle shafts with fresh water to aviod salt chafing. Uschold’s top advice for skin care: Several
applications of sunblock per day on all exposed skin and moisturizer at morning and night. “I had non-malignant skin cancer removed from my face,” she says, “so I am committed to keep- ing my skin and hands protected.”
Why is my sea kayak so hard to keep straight in a side- or tailwind? Besides using my rudder, is there something I can do to improve boat control in these conditions?
A kayak’s tendency to swing upwind is known as weathercocking. The bow cuts a furrow in the water as the kayak glides forward, increas- ing resistance on the leading end of the boat; meanwhile, the flow of water peels away at the stern, decreasing resistance at the tail. This differential in friction causes the stern to blow downwind like a weathervane, most notably in winds stronger than 10 knots. Early Inuit paddlers took advantage of this
phenomenon while hunting. Approaching prey from downwind made the hunter less noticeable, and the kayak’s tendency to turn upwind allowed for hands-free boat control while he prepared his harpoon. For modern touring kayakers, however,
weathercocking is a nuisance. Deploying a rudder or skeg is an obvious solution, and you can approximate the same result by trim- ming your boat heavier in the stern. Similarly, a corrective paddle stroke known as the stern rudder will keep your boat on track. To steer and maintain forward momentum,
Paddle Canada instructor Ray Boucher recom- mends edging the kayak into the wind. Do this by shifting your weight to your upwind buttock. “A stern rudder is great if you’re paddling down- wind and want to slow down,” says Boucher, “but if you’re looking to cover distance, edging and sweep strokes keep you moving forward.”
DIGITAL EXTRA: Still having trouble staying straight? To watch a video demonstrating assisted tracking, go to
Adventurekayakmag.com/0073 or download the Adventure Kayak app.
www.adventurekayakmag.com 51
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