This is as close to a safety briefing as you are going to get. Though we are all responsible for our own safety, keep an eye out for kayakers in trouble in these kind of conditions.
WEAR YOUR PFD. EVEN IN 2 FT OF WATER - WEAR IT!!
The 3 W’s - Wind, Weather and Waves
1. Wind
a. While sunshine and temperature have tremendous psychological effects on kayakers, wind has the most direct physical effect. Wind is the roundabout transfer of sunlight energy from hot places to cold places. Although air is less dense than water, most of your kayak and body is in the air (you hope). The wind can have an overriding effect and can effectively convert your kayak into a sail.
b. Wind in addition to blowing kayaks around, the wind also sweeps up water molecules into ripples on the water, which meld together to form sets of waves. The size of waves is determined by the strength of the wind, the length of time it blows, and the distance the wind travels over water.
2. Weather
a. You wake up and what you hoped had been your tent mate’s snoring really is a Force 8 gale. Paddling is impossible, so what do you do? First, accept your situation and adjust your attitude accordingly. Forget work or the flight you’re missing, and turn a windbound day into a relaxing layover day. Be optimistic and check the weather, kayaks, and tent frequently. Read a good book, go for a hike.
b. Know sources of weather forecasts and understand how to interpret them.
c. Despite weather being one of the most unpredictable systems on earth, you can make some generalizations based on the barometric pressure, temperature, wind speed, wind direction, and cloud composition. Learn the local weather patterns by listening to the marine forecast on the weather radio and hanging with locals in bars. Be sure to listen to the forecast over the next 12, 24, and 48 hours, as systems may move in suddenly.
3. Waves
a. Avoiding waves in a kayak is like not driving your FOUR WHEELER on a dirt road. Kayaks may be safe on car tops and in the bay, but that’s not what kayaks are for. Being comfortable paddling in moderate waves lets you have tremendous fun, extends you paddling possibilities, and is excellent practice for coping with adverse conditions.
b. Waves are ALWAYS bigger when you get out there. Use extra caution when checking out the water condition before launching. Think twice about paddling where the waves are described as heavy, thick, sick, gnarly, pitching, pumping, going off, or sucking dry. Mushy, crumbling, and mellow describe milder conditions. It’s better to go out when it’s too small than too big.
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Parking Lot Perspective
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Reality Check
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Wow! It’s huge!
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You won’t even make it outside, and if you do, you won’t want to be there.
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Looks fun!
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An epic day. Be sure you write your phone number on you boat and paddle.
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Huh. Well, it’s better than nothing.
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Perfect conditions. You’ll want your photo in Patagonia.
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It’s soooooo flat!
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Excellent for taking your friends out for their first surf session.
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Reprinted with permission from Ken Jennings