Surfski Knowledge Base

Pmarcus
12/20/08 #5526

Well wasn't I smart!

It was so nice out that I thought I would attempt a Padden Paddle. An opportunity to train when no one else was on the water. An advantage…..I knew Hilburn probably has some lame excuse about playing with the kids in the snow, Morris was probably too tired from his 250-th pull-up with Virginia on his back, Simon was eating holiday Bon-Bons at his law practice, Dean, Larry G., and Shaun were too busy paddling their erg while watching “all my children” in the comfort of their guest houses, so I went by myself……and made a few future mental notes!

When you have to jump up and down on the ice to break a channel to get out into the lake, that could be a sign it is too cold to paddle…..

When the cross county skiers next to the lake are questioning your sanity,out loud, it might be too cold…….

When (yes it is fresh water) the water being thrown from your paddle onto the deck is not dripping back into the lake but causing serious concerns with the captain of the surfski about stability issues, and he is thinking about getting out with a baseball bat and de-icing your hull so the weight won't roll you over, it might be too cold…..

When the water that is dripping down your paddle doesn't make it down your paddle and you have a 4 inch icicle hanging off your glove, it might be too cold……

When the water is able to make it to your booties, starts to encapsulate your feet in ice, and lock them in the boat in a giant ice cube, yes, it may be too cold to paddle……

And finally…..when you are able to get back to shore, carry your boat which use to weigh 26 lbs with out the ice, now weighing in at a mere 72 lbs and you put the ski on your rack and it freezes in place, no need for straps, yes it may be too cold too paddle………

But…alas, I would do it again………….Peter

Re: Couldn't take it anymore….
lori & beau whitehead
12/20/08 #5529

Peter, did you see the path I plowed through the ice by the softball fields… I'm pretty sure the paddle board was never intended as an ice breaker.
Beau

Re: Couldn't take it anymore….
Pmarcus
12/20/08 #5533

At least you can lie down on yours and use yours as a plow….I think your channel has frozen solid again, there was a large finger of ice sticking our from shore near there that prevented me from paddling up into that corner…..I'm sure everyone is now jealous of us (?)……………………but it was pretty. P

Re: Couldn't take it anymore….
Shane Baker
12/20/08 #5535

Peter and Beau,
I'm surprised you two are trying to paddle on frozen fresh water at 32 degrees or colder. The salt water is still around 40 degrees. Much more survivorable (is that a word?) should you go swimming. Also, don't you care about the finish on your boats? I would paddle a beater but not one of my nice surfskis in icy water. I'm with Daryl regarding turning a surfski into a trimarran then figuring you are still in the surfski class. Regarding Sound Rower races, I'm lobbying for gull-wing equipped surfskis go into their own division.
Shane.

Re: Couldn't take it anymore….
lori & beau whitehead
12/21/08 #5541

I would have to say that the day I paddled, Padden was the more “survivable” (this is a word) option. Dead calm, with lot's of people recreating on shore, should I have needed assistance. The bay was blowing around 20 mph that day & no one would have heard my screams at “the wall.” I've surfed the coast in 18 degrees air temps and have had salt water icicles hanging off my hood… I dress appropriately. The thing about paddle surfing is I plan on falling in… that's why it's fun.
BW