Quote:
|
Originally Posted by jrc
I'm shocked, if you really believe that statistically boats traveling over 45 mph pose a greater risk to a kayaker than wind/waves. Now granted, getting run over by a 100 mph Baja would be a horrible thing, but that risk is tiny compared to many others. You will be just as dead if you capsize in those whitecaps on the broards. No one will see you go in and no one will come to rescue you. Last summer, I saw an empty kayak floating free on the broads. It was a very windy day and no one was out. I looked through binoculars for a PFD but I couldn't see any. Finally, a friend went out and towed it in. I had a terrible feeling of dread until we found out it had just blown off a dock.
Winnipesaukee is a big lake with a lot of boats. There are many real dangers, wind, waves, boat wakes and collisions. There are plenty of good places and times on Winnipesaukee to kayak safely and there are plenty of places and times where it's not as safe. The speed limit will have absolutely no effect on those times and places.
|
I'm being totally honest here. Maybe you just don't understand what I'm talking about. A sea kayak is very different from a recreational kayak. They are ocean capable, which means they are designed for use in conditions which would not be safe for recreational kayaks. My kayak is 16 feet long, has sealed bulkheads, and has a sprayskirt to seal the cockpit (which also mean that it can be rolled back upright if capsized), it also has a rudder which aids in tracking when there are strong cross winds. Besides all that, I wear a pdf and a wet suit (and dry top, when the water is cold), carry a chart of the lake, and have a compass (which I do know how to use), plus I don't solo on the large lakes - so I'm not out there all alone. Plus I can do self rescues, as well as tandom rescues, and even carry a 50 foot tow/rescue line. Capsizing in rough weather is not much fun, but it isn't really life threatening to experienced kayakers with the proper equipment.
I've kayaked a great deal on Squam, even on busy weekends, and have never felt unsafe on that lake. I can't say that about Winni. And the waves and the wind were not why I felt unsafe on Winni.