ACA Tide and Currents

[Guest _rick]

Well This time I will get the venue right.. Fisher's RACE!!! well part of it..the little part of it....A small piece of it. Greg Paquin (http://kayakwaveology.com), Rick S, Paula R, Ciro, and other assorted 4 and 5 stars sheperded a band of "currently challenged" from Groton across to the a beach within a mile or so of the lighthouse. 5-6 mile trek with lots of surfing through boat wakes on the way.

Our day started at the put in going over the crossing, the expectations, the lessons to learn, as well as nav (did I forget? it was foggy when we started). Reeds and chart work figuring ferry angles and current vectors. Pack mentality paddling. Nice dynamics watching these 4-5 stars picking up the bits and getting us there.

Dining on the rocks overlooking the portion of the race we would play offered more instructional opportunities on where to pick the waves, what to do with them and how to handle transiting in and out of the standing water. The calculated speed of the water was 2.8 kts. Mroe than enough to give some good bump in the water 1,2,3 footers depending upon where you were in the area we played in. Made even better with the passing wakes of ferries and other boats. Learning to surf in standing waves provided a diffent perspective. If you didnt learn you were in a treadmill if you did. You could hear this very loud scream from one that actually caught the sweetspot.

The day's lesson was cut short due to flashes of lightening and the roll of thunder. Not to be out of an opportunity the 5 stars decided it was a perfect opportunity to hold a "tow race" for 5 miles. It was neck and neck all the way back to the relative safety of the headland where we put in. A little over 5 kts was the prevailing pace with the short boats 16-16.5 foot and novices holding their own with the big dogs.

Inside the harbor simply wonderous things started happening. These other wise capable sea people kept falling out of their boats. Of course not wanting them to get too warm in the 75 degree water we practiced bunches of different rescues. Silly though you would think that they could keep seated until they all fell out..I keep thinking it must be some sort of trick...

Stupid kayak tricks were next on the horizon...lots of standing up in boats, different rolls and sculling for support. Basic stroke practice all the way back in. A quick clean up and supper at the local pub and the day was done.

For those that have yet to experience or want to experience current and standing waves in a controlled situation. I would suggest that you check them out. Instant feedback and a relatively controlled situation allowed those of us a chance to experience and learn how to handle these conditions.

_rick