| |
Main
Date: 05 Jul 2005 14:13:35
From: NYC XYZ
Subject: Riptides, Undertow....
|
Hi, All:
So how much about undertows and other "technical matters" should one
know? I've always figured on staying above the water, and didn't think
it'd be too much hassle getting back in a boat...haven't capsized yet,
but all these drowning deaths in the news are making me wonder!
Is it that bad, that dangerous? Any personal experiences, please? I
think I do "respect the water," but I'm not much of a swimmer at all,
though there's no way I'd drown in a pool (LOL)....
TIA!
|
|
| |
Date: 07 Jul 2005 11:40:51
From: Bib
Subject: Re: Riptides, Undertow....
|
"The fallacy lies in expecting anything at sea to be as it 'should be'."
Webb Chiles
"The sea drives truth into a man like salt."
Hilaire Belloc
"Every small vessel venturing offshore is a lonely entity, face to face
with the most elemental force on the planet Earth."
Carleton Mitchell
"You are not at Disney Land."
Big Island Bob
--
Big Island Bob
|
| |
Date: 06 Jul 2005 10:59:34
From: Zalek Bloom
Subject: Re: From Bay Shore to Ocean Beach (NY, Long Island)
|
On Tue, 05 Jul 2005 11:27:53 -0400, Carla A-G wrote:
> "Zalek Bloom" <ZalekBloom@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:pan.2005.07.04.12.46.50.337126@hotmail.com...
>> I sent my family to the Ocean Beach on a ferry, but I took my kayak
>> (Folbot, Kodiak) to cross about 8 static miles.
>> I launch my kayak from a pier near a ferry terminal. Not a very good place
>> - the drop is about 4 feet from the pier to the water, but below the
>> pier there is a small step on the water level - it helps to take a sit in
>> the kayak. Took me about 2 1/2 hours to cross the bay. Water was very
>> choppy and a lot of traffic - from small boats to big ferryies.
>> Navigation was very easy - there is a big water tank in the Ocean Beach
>> visible from the Bay Shore.
>>
>> Zalek
>
> We attempted to launch from there once but it looked to crazy to try so we
> skipped it. Are you from LI? Where do you usually paddle?
>
> C.
No, I am from NYC. Usually I paddle in Jamaica Bay or Orchard Beach.
Sometimes when I am taking my kids to a different parks I am looking for a
paddling place. For example I found a state park in Indian Island (after
exit 72 on LIE, after Splish Splash where you can lounch a kayak. Also in
NJ near 6 flags, east on route 195 (near Belmore) there in a large inlet
where you kayaking.
In the Bay Shore launching is very easy from the pier - there is a step
below the pier so you can step on in. I dropped the kayak attached to a
line from the pier, then I stepped down on this step (on the water level)
and sit into the kayak.
Zalek
|
| |
Date: 06 Jul 2005 11:03:40
From: Brian Nystrom
Subject: Re: Riptides, Undertow....
|
NYC XYZ wrote:
> Hi, All:
>
> So how much about undertows and other "technical matters" should one
> know?
It depends on the waters you paddled and whether these are an issue.
Rips frequently form where there is surf. They're not a specific danger
to kayakers and can actually be useful as they provide a path for
getting out past the surf.
> I've always figured on staying above the water, and didn't think
> it'd be too much hassle getting back in a boat...haven't capsized yet,
> but all these drowning deaths in the news are making me wonder!
Everyone who's ever died in a kayaking accident had the same plan. If
you don't know how to perform self-rescues and assisted rescues, get
some training. You WILL capsize and you MUST know how to deal with the
situation. Learn rescues and practice them often. While you're at it,
learn to roll, which reduces your need for rescues.
> Is it that bad, that dangerous? Any personal experiences, please? I
> think I do "respect the water," but I'm not much of a swimmer at all,
> though there's no way I'd drown in a pool (LOL)....
All watersports are inherently dangerous.
|
| |
Date: 05 Jul 2005 18:39:26
From: Steve Cramer
Subject: Re: Riptides, Undertow....
|
NYC XYZ wrote:
> So how much about undertows and other "technical matters" should one
> know?
Do you drive a car? Is is important to know about superhighways, merging
lanes, stop signs, speed limits, and other "technical matters?" Well,
then...
> I've always figured on staying above the water,
Everyone who has ever drowned had the same plan.
> and didn't think
> it'd be too much hassle getting back in a boat...
Better try it soon and then you'll know how much hassle it is. Do it
close to shore, preferably with a competent buddy.
> haven't capsized yet,
> but all these drowning deaths in the news are making me wonder!
Wonder about what? If you could drown? Here's an easy test: do you
breathe air? If you answered yes, you could.
> Is it that bad, that dangerous? Any personal experiences, please? I
> think I do "respect the water,"
Actually, if you don't have any idea whether you can re-enter the boat
if you capsize and your idea of safety is "stay on top of the water,"
I'd say you don't have the slightest respect for the water.
Just my opinions...
--
Steve Cramer
Athens, GA
|
|
