Wind Against Current | Thoughts on kayaking, science, and life
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Kalamazoo Kayak Pool Sessions | GO KAYAK NOW Sea, Surf, & White Water Kayaking in the midwest
I nudged the right rudder pedal and reminiscent of a vintage fighter plane peeling off to dive, my kayak heeled over as the bow dropped sharply into the wave trough just ahead of me. The acceleration was instantaneous. I had to stand on my foot-pegs and lean back to keep the bow from pearling. Soon I was surfing faster than my arms could spin; I even stopped paddling completely — holding the paddle blade skimming just above the water ready for a low brace. The GPS recorded 11 mph as my exuberant shouts of
I was in the deepest part of Tampa Bay, about 5 miles from the starting beach with still a mile and a half to go to reach the shelter of the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) near Anna Maria island. During the crossing my speed was averaging 5, 6, and even 7 mph. The conditions were such that I could point my bow into the next wave trough and surf almost at will — although not always directly toward my destination, weaving a zig-zag path toward Anna Maria. Read more... (6855 words, 19 images, estimated 27:25 m
Note, this post was penned by Everglades Challenge 2023 participant Andrew Findlay (tribe name “Horace Wimp”). This lively story was shared at every checkpoint along the course with much relish and amazement to all who heard it. With Andrew’s permission I’m sharing it here so others enjoy.
Wind Against Current | Thoughts on kayaking, science, and life
Greenlandorbust.org: Home
Kalamazoo Kayak Pool Sessions | GO KAYAK NOW Sea, Surf, & White Water Kayaking in the midwest