Sculpin Point, TorbayA navy saying is "loose lips sink ships".
In a kayak, its loose hips that will keep you upright in chaotic conditions. Today Dean and I had a great paddle in Tor Bay in chaotic (at times) but manageable conditions.
Leaving the cove in Torbay we started to feel the swell; the foam on the water giving evidence that waves were piling up against the cliffs. We carried on, letting the kayak yaw back and forth rather than fighting to maintain a straight course. Fighting only wastes energy because the back and forth motion averages out anyway to keep us on bearing.
Torbay map area Yesterday we had a good blow out of the NE. I expected swell to persist today but it was much bigger than I thought it would be. At Motion, between Torbay and Middle Cove the swell was at about 3 metres and breaking when it reached some rocks offshore. We continued to have sizeable swell into Middle Cove and Outer Cove so we only looped into the coves before heading out to Torbay Point.
Crossing Tor Bay At Torbay Point we agreed on a straight crossing of Tor Bay. As we paddled we had a near 2 metre swell on starboard with rebounding waves well out into the bay on the port rear quarter. The swell was impressive but a considerable wavelength didn't pose any problems. Some trouble though capturing the action on camera!
9 kms to here We arrived near Whaleback Rock at the other side of Tor Bay after our crossing and an hour and a half of paddling. We made good time considering the conditions and taking into account we stopped several times to watch the swell crash against the shore, especially at Motion. We paddled back to Torbay beach where Dean's GPS said the total was 13.5 in total.
It was 13.5 but the conditions made it equivalent to considerably more compared to calm water.
Today was fun. I have been in those conditions before, bigger swell and clapitus. But I had to remind myself at times to stay loose. I found myself putting in those little precautionary braces when we were in the chaotic water while Tony just casually paddled along in the clapitus. It's good to periodically push yourself into less comfortable waters, but only with dependable paddling partners.
ReplyDeleteIt was totally different water than the wind waves we usually practice in at St. Philips. We may have to move around our practices next year or do more practice.
ReplyDeleteYou looked fine today too btw.
Tony :-)
That's a paddle I've always wanted to do - too bad I was working Friday... Looks like you had a nice trip in Brigus too :)
ReplyDeleteThere'll be other opportunities Tobias. Lets keep an eye for an opening. The caves in Middle Cove are awesome but only accessible on a calm day.
ReplyDeleteTony :-)
what a beautiful paddling!
ReplyDeletetake care, giovanni