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Ed, You are correct, the current speed in this example is too slow to warrant a high level of concern. This example, however, is a pending real life situation. I like to explore new waters and I like to identify risks and develop solutions. Until I began looking at the current reference station data, I had no idea what the currents were doing in that section of Prince William Sound. Ferry angle calculations just seem to me to be another tool in my navigation tool kit. But as you noted above, there is value in understanding a short cut approach to making a ferry angle adjustment when warranted. Of course, knowing me I would probably just break out my GPS. But I do need to practice ferry angle calculations! Warren

Leon, You are correct that my reference to the direction of the flood at 34 degrees was not intended to demonstrate a true beam current. But you noted a very important point in your first line. I have always assumed the published data for the direction of the current as determined from the current reference stations was stated as magnetic north. I located my copy of "Captn. Jack's Tide and Current Almanac" and it states very clearly on page 6 how the direction is expressed in true north. Great discovery! Thank you! I do agree with John Winters that a pursuit curve is a more practial approach as long as you have visability. Also, a good GPS can help. I do, however, see value in understanding the basics regarding ferry angle calculations and to run the numbers prior to launch. This realization hit home this past summer while paddling the San Juan Islands. There the max current is typically in the 2.4 to 2.7 knot range as you paddle from Patos, Sucia and Matia. On one day of the trip, our team witnessed a trained guide with 3 paid clients unable to make his intended journey due to a lack of understanding the current speed and direction. That day he was fortunate to be able to arrive on Matia for the night. Had the wind picked up, it could have been a very unpleasent situation. At times, what the water is doing under me can be as helpful as what the clouds are doing over me as I seek to identify my risks. I would value seeing John's Excel program! Perhaps it can be used for bow and quarter currents as well? Warren

Ferry Angle Calculations – Beginner Level One the great values of NSPN is the ability to tap into the combined knowledge of so many highly skills paddlers. This thread is my attempt to mine knowledge in preparation for our seminar later this month with the Grand Poobah of Navigation, John Huth. In preparation for paddling in Alaska, I have begun reviewing navigation risks, current flows, distances etc. One potential section of travel as outlined on NOAA nautical chart 16708 involving crossing Valdez Narrows from the radar tower at Potato Point to the northern edge of Jack Bay. A high consequence crossing that is 3 miles in length. The crossing is planned for approximately 8:30AM on the morning of July 9, 2014. My task is to calculate the heading for the team as read off the deck compass and determine the approximate time of arrival at the entrance to Jack Bay. To aid me in this task, I have assembled the following tools and data: 1. NOAA Nautical Chart 616708, which depicts topographical land mass, in a chart case. 2. Waterproof watch. 3. Deck Compass. 4. Listo pen 5. Access to the Valdez Narrows current station data for July 9, 2014. That data includes current speed of +0.5kn and 34 degree direction at approximately 8:30AM. 6. Team paddling speed of 3 knots. In an effort to keep this example at the beginner level, I am assuming the following: 1. We will encounter no significant wind speed or waves as added variables. 2. Our crossing will involve a beam current for the duration. With the data and known variables above, I will use the following formula: Current Speed (0.5) divided by Paddling Speed (3) times 60 degrees equals Ferry Angle (round to 10 degrees). To arrive at my deck compass heading, I determine the heading on my chart using a hand held compass (110 degrees) and subtract the variation (20 degrees) then add ten degrees to compensate for the flood current for a heading of 120 degrees. To determine the time of arrival at Jack Bay, I use a value (taken off a commonly available published table) that states a 15 degree ferry angle or less, crossing speed will be at 100% of normal speed. Therefore, I should arrive at Jack Bay at approximately 9:30AM. Now, let’s determine if this process documented above is sound or does it have more holes than a slice of Swiss cheese! Warren

Andy, Under the bridge in Seabrook can be a great place to play, but be careful. You might consider timing your play to a flood tide where you "wash out" into a calm estuary, so study your tide chart and luna cycle. Rob is correct about the risk of boat traffic, so try not to play solo. You may also encounter three additional risks. On the south side beach, you may have people fishing. The fishing lines for me, hit at neck height if I am not careful. On the north side, you have rocks so wear a helmet. But I feel the greatest risk is the presence of jet ski youngsters who fly along at 30 plus mph. However, with enough buddies to watch out for you, you can have fun under the bridge! Warren

Cathy, Thank you for starting this thread which has now become an annual NSPN tradition. Not only does it help us take a moment to collect our thoughts, but it also helps connect us to one another by seeing similar goals so our journeys might intersect. Perhaps that is one of the greatest strengths of NSPN. Here goes, 1. Attempt to transition from being a multi-day kayak camper to achieving beginner status in the field of sea kayak expeditions. 2. Attempt to consolidate my knowledge across all aspects of sea kayaking by going back to paddling school in the area incident management, navigation, etc. 3. Realizing how sea kayaking involves the interaction of body, boat and blade, focus more on the body aspect to achieve greater flexibility, strength and endurance. The use of a KayakPro SpeedStroke Gym ergometer as well as a revised fitness program will be my goals. 4. Have fun kayak camping all along the coast of Maine with other NSPN kayak campers! Warren

Yes, the pool session yesterday was outstanding. I really like how many of us start off with a focus on completing our "To Do" list of rolls, strokes or rescues, with buddies ever present to lend a bow or a hand. We often incorporate time to experiment with new ideas and techniques (Rob and Bob's strong points). Time is always allocated to fun and good conversation with Doug ever present to capture pictures of our silly moments. I can not imagine a better way for a sea kayaker to spend their winter months. Warren

Prince William Sound – Alaska An opportunity exists for two paddlers with a minimum of BCU 3 Star or equivalent skills to join a team of five on a 13 day expedition to cross Prince William Sound from Valdez to Whittier, Alaska. The expedition will begin on July 7 and end on July 19, 2014. It is important that you have kayak camping skills as well as an interest in exploration. This adventure promises to be incredible on so many levels, particularly if you seek to develop or expand your kayak expedition skills. Although the expedition is not a guided trip, we will have access to a highly skilled local kayak coach by the name of Ryan Collins who will provide escort services. Since portions of the journey will take us to wilderness environments where we will no longer be at the top of the food chain, Ryan’s knowledge will be essential for our safety. It is important to note, the team will arrive in Alaska in advance of the trip so we can meet and discuss the dynamics and logistics of the journey to dial everything in. I have located an excellent flight from Boston to Anchorage via Seattle. Additional logistics are very manageable. Paddling in Alaska is not for everyone, especially since it may require airfare, kayak rental, gear shipment as well as assembling quality gear that will serve you well in a potentially very wet environment. Prince William Sound is the northern most reach of the temperate rain forest. For me, all this enhances my desire for adventure in places around the world where the vista is grand, people are scarce and wildlife is abundant. For additional information concerning the expedition, access the links below, http://www.paddlersrealm.com/pb/wp_efbbfff1/wp_efbbfff1.html http://www.paddlersrealm.com/pb/wp_4a74b56b/wp_4a74b56b.html If you have an interest in joining the team, you will need to contact Ryan. (paddlersrealm at yahoo dot com) If I can help answer any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. (wjosh51 at yahoo dot com) Live your Dreams! Warren

Yesterday, a group of NSPN paddlers (Doug, PeterB, Dave C., Bill V, Les, Bob L., Rob F. and me) spent 2.5 hours playing in the Haverhill High School pool. We enjoyed good conversation and practiced getting wet. It turned out to be an excellent and stress free learning laboratory to experiment with solo and assisted rescues. I knew it was a success when Rob taught Bob and I a new technique for performing an "all in" rescue. Our next session is scheduled for December 28, same time, same place. We may also get a group of us together to engage in a proper PPPO (post paddle pig out) at a local restaurant. I believe there are openings for some future pool sessions, so please review the Event Section of the Message Board and contact Doug. Warren

Hi John, I sent off an e-mail to your Harvard address. Hope it is helpful. Warren

Mark, I am sorry we did not have an opportunity to talk. I did see a "new face" in the kitchen near Blaine. That must have been you! Yes, that was me seeing if I could convince Blaine to join in on a kayak expedition to Alaska. Perhaps someday you will seek a paddling experience in Alaska as well? Warren

Last night was amazing! We witnessed superb planning and execution! My compliments! Cathy, Pru and Bill, congratulations on your well deserved awards. It was an amazing season and each of you enriched the experiences for all of us! Thank you, Warren

Mark, I look forward to meeting you and Fiona at the X-Mas party this evening. I, as well, enjoyed reading your trip report. I particularly enjoyed reading about how you plan to paddle in both the Essex River Race and the Blackburn Challenge. You will discover a number of NSPN paddlers who share a passion for racing. Mark, you might consider reviewing the website for opportunities to participate in winter pool sessions. It is a great way to develop and improve solo and assisted rescue techniques. The ability to rescue a paddling buddy in need is always a good skill to have! Please continue to post your ideas and questions. One could say that NSPN is famous for having many members (myself included) who love to add comments via the message board. You will discover no shortage of great ideas to help you on your kayak journey. Welcome aboard! Warren

Katherine and Cathy, I am looking forward to seeing you both later today and helping with the set-up duties. I will plan to arrive at the Gould Barn at least 45 minutes prior to 6:00PM. Really looking forward to this evening!! Warren

I will bring a yummy appetizer. Warren

Leong, The review you mention above was the key document which helped me decide to buy the SpeedStroke. For a long time I could not understand why a kayak camper like myslf would ever need a SpeedStroke. Although the machine and I are still getting acquainted, I suspect it will exceed all my expectations and turnout to be just what I needed. It is amazing! Warren

Lisa, Yes, I have it in my basement. Warren

I am seeking anyone else within the NSPN community who is using a KayakPro K1 Ergometer or equivalent over the winter months. I am hoping to share experiences regarding training session frequency, duration, results, etc. Are you using a heart rate monitor? Will you be down loading related software systems such as, eMonitorPro2, VirtuaRace or iRaceExpress? For those with multiple years of experience, I am interested in hearing how the ergometer helped limit the winter "rust and decay" on your forward stroke. I suspect this kind of machine is very popular with those training for the Blackburn Challenge as well as the surfski community. Warren

Katherine and Cathy, Please sign me up to help with set-up and take down. Remember to bring your smart phones so we can send Pru pictures of the festivities in case she can not be there! Warren

Liz, Thank you very much for your "Lessons Learned" experiences using a dehydrator. I would have assumed blueberries would be easy to dry. One of the cookbooks I have purchased in entitled, "The Scout's Backpacking Cookbook" by Tim and Christine Conners. Many of the recipes sound excellent. I have high hopes for a recipe that I believe will be a real crowd pleaser within the NSPN community. It is titled "Vent-the-Tent Burritos"! Perhaps in January I can update the community with some of my own lessons learned experiences. Wish me luck! By the way, my research is complete regarding the vacuum sealer. I have settled on the FoodSaver V3460. Should be an exciting winter! Warren

Great suggestions above! Thank you! I have concluded my on-line review for the dehydrator. The reviews were all pointing me toward the Excalibur. So, based on the on-line reviews, Anna's experience and comments from Suz, I have an Excalibur with timer on it's way. Now, to focus on the vacuum sealer. Suz, do you happen to know the model for your Food Saver from Costco? And the journey continues......... Warren

Liz, Beth, Anna and Sid, One of the recipes I really like is for preparing Thai Pumpkin Soup which uses Sriracha Chili Sauce, which is a favorite of mine. They say it needs a dehydration time of 6 to 10 hours. Since hot soup at lunch time is a favorite of mine, I will need a dehydrator which has trays that will handle soup. Do you routinely dehydrate soup? Do the dehydrators you have selected come with the appropriate trays? Also, I now have recipes for dehydrating ground beef. The cookbooks say it will last 2/3 weeks if vacuum sealed. Have you had any success dehydrating beef or pork? Beth, I do see the weight loss as a problem so I have begun reading articles written by experienced kayak expeditioner to understand what they do. In a recent article written by Jeff Allen and published in Ocean Paddler, he refuels 12 times each day while paddling on expeditions. That is something I definitely have not done! Warren

Beth, thank you for the suggestion regarding a food dehydrator to purchase. I like easy and inexpensive! Peter and Bob, shipping the kit is a great option. Shawna and Leon at Body Boat Blade encouraged me to do so. They also have a great deal of experience helping their students ship the kit back home. Although that is clearly an option on any trip involving airplane travel, I have decided to haul my own gear for two reasons. The cost of shipping the gear is greater in my situations and I like the feeling of being more self sufficient. In many ways I am attempting to simulate my interpetation of a modern day version of Jeremiah Johnson. I also believe, for me, amount of effort is related to reward. I have a sense that when you take this path and look back years from now, you will say to yourself, that was not too bad after all. At that point you begin to realize the best reward of all. The sense of a life well lived. Now back to reading the cookbooks........ Keep smiling, Warren

Sid, thank you for offering to paddle/camp with me. I would enjoy that very much. Currently, I have several projects on-going to prepare myself for expedition work in 2014. I hope for several over night trips off the coast of Maine to shake out my new gear and methods. I am sure we would enjoy overnight camping trips as I test out my new stove, kitchen gear, bear bag, etc. Peter, I am glad you are enjoying this thread. It is important to note that most paddlers/campers probably do not need to invest in both a dehydrator and vacuum sealer, but for me the need is great. I seek a food supply that can travel with me on an airplane, can last over 16 days without spoilage and is both light and compact. Most paddlers may not need that type of food supply. I will be using the equipment for both single serving portions as well as preparing multiple courses for 5/6 paddlers on the team as planned for several dinners during the trip. I will be packaging the ingredients according to the recipes for each particular item, such as drink, dinner, dessert, and grouping them for one particular days' enjoyment. I discovered during the San Juan Island trip, that my existing method would not work for longer trips involving airplane travel. It is not that the airlines have a limit on the total number of bags, I however have a limit on how many bags I can handle in making all the connections. I use two medium size rolling duffle bags that weigh no more than 50 pounds each. I also carry one medium size backpack and my helmet as carry on items. Surprisingly, my entire kit will fit in this arrangement and is relatively easy to manage. I believe this new method of preparing my food supply will fit into my bags and serve me well. By the way, the receipes in the cookbooks I now own sound wonderful! Over the next several months, I will be preparing and testing over 40 different recipes. Should be an exciting and delicious winter! Warren

Sid, Thank you for the information, it is very helpful. I agree it is important to maintain a healthy diet while kayak camping. My old method has been to take along a bag of food. Unfortunately, I tend to burn off more calories than I take in and loose about one pound per day. On a 3 or 4 day camping trip, the weight loss is manageable. But on a 13 day trip that would be a serious problem. So the journey to prepare compact, light, nutritionally dense meals has begun. Hopefully, our paths will cross while camping in 2014 and you might remark that the meals I have prepared are both healthy and tasty. Now there is a stretch goal! Liz, Thank you very much for your kind offer to borrow your dehydrator. It has taken me several years to begin this journey to learn a better method for kayak camping food preparation and I know that if I invest in the equipment I will most certainly use it on a regular basis. I have begun watching many YouTube videos on both pieces of equipment and I think I can do this. Wish me luck! Warren

I am seeking recommendations from the NSPN community regarding which make/model food dehydrator and vacuum sealer to purchase. My current kayak camping food plan is just not going to cut it any longer with airline weight/size restrictions. Big bulky food is out! Compact, nutritionally dense food is in! I located several excellent backpacking cookbooks and will hopefully spend the winter months experimenting in my test kitchen. Any experiences you would like to share? If all goes well, I hope to be able to stuff 42 meals and 14 snacks in a 10 liter bag! Yeah right?! Warren