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Understanding Waves in Kayaking
from: Maxx Adventure TravelUnderstanding waves is critical if you're planning to voyage on a coastal cruise, especially in a kayak. Most experts learn how to read the waters before taking a journey across the sea. In fact, you'll need to learn how the wind affects the waves as well. Let's discuss how bow, stern, beam, and side waves differ to help you better understand how kayaking and sea cruising works.
If the waves are hitting the bow of your vessel, you have a bow wave, yet if the vessel shifts and the waves hit the stern, you have a stern wave. When the vessel is turned at 90 degrees you'll experience beam waves, or else the wave could target the bow or stern. It depends on the direction your kayak is pointing, which determines the wave.
When the sea works in an opposite direction, i.e. the wind and tidal waves, you may experience a combination wave. (Bow, stern, beam, etc) The combination waves often happen when obstruction areas affect the waves.
How can I tell if my kayak is seaworthy?
When heading out on a sea cruise in a kayak, make sure your vessel is seaworthy. Bow waves will show you better than tell you the level of stability your kayak offers. If you can paddle through small tidal waves with little effort, then you have a good boat. If the boat is in good condition, the kayak will smoothly top the waves. (Tip: You can add wave deflectors to the bottom of your boat to fight the waves.)
If the bow of your boat is shallow, and the deck is too flat, your boat isn't likely seaworthy, since the waters will spurge upon the deck and into your cockpit. Experts recommend that you test your boat prior to adventuring the seas.
How do I escape steep waves?
Lean forward as much as possible while maneuvering your paddles. The paddle blade should dip 1/3 downward into the waters. You can pull your body weight while reversing the blade. (See ski-pole rudder strokes to learn more.)
Tip: Mark your lifejacket and paddles to provide an easy spotting solution. Kayakers typically should use three boats while traveling the sea. In other words, never travel alone.
Sometimes, in coastal cruises, you'll come upon areas that will dim visibility. Practice high-intense observational skills to maneuver in areas that block your sight.
How do I decide which wave works in my favor?
The stern wave is your best wave, especially if you first learn how to maneuver and use tactics to escape the waves. When stern waves slow your path, you'll need to use force while thrusting your body forward and paddling simultaneously. You need to focus on the stern paddle while maneuvering through stern waves.
Stern waves can prevent dangers if you don't stay in front of the waves. You may want to learn more about water skiing to add new tactics to your kayaking methods.
A beam wave is essential to understand, as well as the tactics you'll need to employ while battling these waves. Always practice the high and low telemark strokes to master beam waves. You should learn the sweep stroke, and the proper methods for leaning forward to master beam waves. A beam wave is often high tidal waves.
Before journeying off to sea, learn and practice all the details of kayaking.
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