Categories
Maine islands Penobscot Bay

Paddle ’til You Drop (Or Where a Guide Goes on a Day Off)

It had been a day set aside to do some work around the house, but when the forecast came in — temps in the high 80’s, sunny skies, 5 – 15 knot breezes out of the southwest, 0 percent chance of precipitation, 1-3 foot seas — it became clear that this would be an ideal opportunity to do what I call a “one day blast.” On a summer that is going by all too quickly, this would be summer’s summer. The goal was to be on the water at dawn and off the water at sunset . . . and to see what I could see.

After having some quality map time, scoping out places I hadn’t paddled yet, and reviewing the calculus of driving time and paddling time, a destination emerged, as if from the mist, Hurricane Island, off Vinalhaven Island, in the center of Penobscot Bay. Hurricane Island looked far, even very far, for a day trip. But remember, the weather was going to be ideal, and I wanted to paddle all day.

The rest of the story soon, but in the meantime, here are the numbers and a slideshow (below):


Hurricane Island by the Numbers:

36.1 Distance of trip (in land miles).
12.75 Total time of trip in hours.
3.5 Hours of sleep before the trip.
5:15 AM. Arrived at launch site.
5:22 Time of sunrise.
4.8 Longest crossing in miles.
4 Number of crossings of that length (round trip).
3 Sets of porpoises sighted.
3 Dozens of seals sighted.
2 Other kayakers encountered.
0 Other kayakers encountered on open water.
20 Islands paddled past (apx.)
5 Islands set foot on.
196 Photos taken
4 Applications of sunscreen
1 Gallons of liquid consumed.
2450 Calories consumed
1200 Estimated calorie deficit.
8.5 Time spent paddling in hours (estimated).
3 Attempted power naps on islands.
7.3 Maximum speed (mph).
2.8 Average speed of trip (including stops).
9.5 Hours of sleep after the trip.

Categories
Uncategorized

Kayak Tour Highlights — June 2007

 
 
 
 Posted by Picasa
 
 

Posted by Picasa
Categories
kayak kayaking maine paddling race

Point 65 Rocker Rocks


One of the best parts of my job (“job” is a euphemism here), is paddling new boats. Me taking a new kayak out on the water for the first time is a lot like Christmas morning for my kids. The Point 65 Crunch Rocker did not disappoint. Paddling the Rocker out in Belfast Harbor on Monday (1 knot tidal current, 10 – 15 knot wind, slight chop), I was impressed by the speed and tracking of this boat. No matter which direction I pointed it, the Crunch Rocker held course.

The Crunch Rocker is actually the poky little sister of the Crunch Rocket. But poky it is not. In fact with its narrow beam, fine ends, v-ed hull, and sculpted deck it is the sleekest, sharpest polyethylene kayak I have seen. Put that together with its extended waterline and moderate rocker and it may also be the fastest. Very easy to set on edge, the Rocker turns well once leaned and is thus a great boat for rivers as well as for ocean paddling.

Which gets me thinking that the record time for the touring/rec category on the Kenduskeag River could fall next spring. Rocket or Rocker? Hmmm . . . I’m not sure it’s even fair to to put the Rocker and Rocket in the same category as conventional plastic touring boats. But then again, there is nothing in the category rules that states that a rec/touring boat has to be rounded, blunt, slow, and beamy. More on the Crunch Rocker here.

Categories
Uncategorized

Warm Weather, Cold Water, Safe Paddling

–photo from Maine Island Trail Association website
As the weather gets warmer (70 degrees today in midcoast Maine), it’s natural to want to venture further offshore than during those first few spring harbor forays. No denying it’s a beautiful time of year to paddle out to Maine coastal islands. The danger, well-known to experienced paddlers but often neglected by novices and by the less careful, is in being lulled into complacency by friendly summer-like breezes. The fact is that sea water temperatures off midcoast Maine have just topped 52 degrees (see GoMoos for water temps in other northeast locations). And as friendly as the air temps are, if your kayak overturns unexpectedly in 50 degree water, you face a potentially life threatening situation.

According to Minnesota Sea Grant, the expected time before exhaustion or unconsciousness in 50 – 60 degree water is 1 to 2 hours. 1 to 2 hours sounds like a lot of time, but please consider: (1) ability to effectively use fingers, hands, arms, legs, and your ability to think clearly will begin to deteriorate almost immediately after entering the water . (2) the conditions that caused your capsize will still be present after you successfully right and re-enter your boat.

We believe 100 percent that paddling the Maine ocean waters in June can be a safe activity. Here are some things you can do to make sure it is safe:

  1. Wear a lifejacket
  2. Dress for water temperatures (not for air temps.) as much as possible. This time of year, this means a wetsuit or drysuit for anything more than a harbor tour.
  3. Avoid paddling alone, especially when heading for more ambitious destinations.
  4. Know and practice a variety of solo and assisted rescues including eskimo roll, t- rescue, and more.
  5. Keep a attentive eye on weather forecasts, sky, wind, and sea conditions.
  6. Leave a float plan that details where you are going and when you intend to return.

Happy and safe paddling!

Categories
kayak kayaking maine paddling

Some Like it Rough: New Book on Rough Water Paddling

Alex Matthews’ new book, Sea Kayaking Rough Waters, is intended for those who end up paddling in tough conditions either by design or by chance. Either way, it will help you improve your confidence, your ability, and — hopefully your enjoyment — of kayaking in challenging conditions. The book is highlighted by awesome photos that just make you want to get out there.

Among other things, the book includes a section on the High Brace Lean Turn, a stroke I have not seen described in many other places. Other information new to me included “The Rule of Thirds” — a method of determining tidal currents at different stages of the tide cycle. (O% at slack, 50% at 1 hour after slack, 90% at two hours after slack, and 100% at 3 hours after slack).

Following is an excerpt from a section on landing in surf: “Once you’ve made the decision to go, you really have two options. You can ride a wave right into shore. This means following on the heels of the last wave of a set. To chase a wave in, you’ll let the last wave of a set pass and then sprint in behind it all the way into shore. If timed correctly, this approach negates the need to control a dynamic surf ride, or at least it will allow you to avoid the worst of the impact zone . . .”

Sea Kayaking Rough Waters and other books from Heliconia Press area can be purchased online from our website.

Categories
kayak kayaking maine paddling

Belfast Harbor Tours This Summer!

In addition to our day tours to the Muscle Ridge Islands, Camden, Rockport, and Jonesport, we’ll be offering tours of Belfast Harbor this summer.

These 1.5 hour late afternoon tours are ideal for those new to kayaking, families, and those wishing to explore a beautiful midcoast Maine town from the water.

As always, instruction will be provided — and we’ll carefully choose a boat suited to your size and ability. Discounts available to those who decide to sign up for another tour with us. Belfast features a picturesque harbor filled with sailboats, views of the Camden Hills, Islesboro, and Sears Island, and opportunity to paddle either out the harbor or up the Passy River. Depending on weather and tides, tours will be offered in the mornings, late afternoons, and occasionally for sunset and moonrise. Details coming soon.

Belfast, population 6870, has been named one of the top 5 “culturally cool towns in America” by USA Today. Come find out why. More on Belfast at the Belfast Area Chamber.

Categories
kayak kayaking maine paddling Passy whitewater

Passy in the Spring (Passagassawakeag River, Belfast, Maine)


The 2 most local rivers here (the Passy and the St. George)are relatively small Class I and II rivers that go dry by summer. So each time I paddle them, I do so thinking it may be the last trip of the year. On the other hand, if we have a rainy June, you know where to find me.

Categories
kayak kayaking maine paddling Passy whitewater

Rain or Shine


After being an ocean paddler who only dabbled in rivers, I’ve crossed over to the point where I consider myself a river paddler as well. I started paddling the rivers earlier this year and have kept right on paddling them. Maine ocean waters are cold this time of year and the rivers can be more inviting, especially on a cool rainy day in May). The two inches of rain we’ve had this week has extended the local whitewater paddling season — and now I find myself wondering if I can stretch it out a little longer. I’ve begun keeping an Excel spreadsheet on reported and actually experienced river conditions. There no USGS or NOAA streamflow reports on the rivers I paddle most frequently, but my hope is that I can correlate the USGS data for other local rivers with what I observe on the Passy and St. George Rivers and thus be able to have a good idea of what conditions will be like before I pull out of the driveway.

Just in case you want to try this at home, the USGS streamflow data — both gauge height and flow — is at http://waterdata.usgs.gov/usa/nwis/rt
The chart for the Ducktrap River shows a nice peak flow for May 19th. Happy paddling!

Categories
kayak kayaking maine paddling Passy whitewater

Surfing Belfast U.S.A. (Well, not quite).

Inspired by the inch of rain we got since yesterday, I thought I’d try my new pro-deal Riot Boogie 50 surf kayak on the Passagassawakeag River. Prior to this, the only time I’d ever been in a whitewater kayak (or any kayak less than 12 feet long) was during a rolling session in an indoor pool. The flat hull of the Boogie 50 (think surf board flat) made me initially think I was back in the cardboard box boat I built a few years ago. (You haven’t paddled hard chines until you’ve paddled a box, but that’s another story). A bit unsettling! Within a few minutes, however, I began experimenting with using the boat’s sharp edges to grab the water and carve aggressive turns.

The whitewater sections of the river were bony; waves were scant. Probably more suited for a creek boat. The flatwater sections were sluggish and made me long for the powerful glide of my usual sea kayak. But mostly I got what I wanted — a couple of hours on the water and a chance to get to know the Boogie 50 a bit before trying it out in the surf.

The Boogie 50 is described as being high in launchness and planing speed, low in bounceness and looseness — just as a good surf kayak should be. Guess I’ll have to work on my vocabulary as well as on my paddling. Mostly though, it’s all about the fun-ness.

Categories
kayaking maine paddling St. George

Different Day, Different River (Again down the St. George)


 
“You cannot step in the same river twice,” says Heraclitus. I would add that you can never paddle the same river twice. Six weeks ago the St. George River was a shining filament amidst a winter forest stamped with deer trails. Four weeks ago, the St. George was a muddy torrent roiling with the weight of spring rains. Yesterday, the St. George was a glassy passage through a forest newly soft with spring buds.

Not just the river changes. At the put in, I am a bit tired and world weary, purpose-driven, edgy, wanting something I know not what. Just six and a half miles downstream, I have forgotten almost all of that. Time has folded over into a new dimension. Whatever it was, that was pressing on me is gone somehow. It is not the same man who pulls the kayak out of the river. And from the moment on, my life will never be the same, because in subtle ways I have changed. I am different for the time I have spent on the river.