A simple way to differentiate between moderate and advanced sea kayaking conditions - can the passage be navigated in both directions?
A simple way to differentiate between moderate and advanced sea kayaking conditions - can the passage be navigated in both directions?
British Canoeing Sea Kayak Leader and Coach Awards are qualifications that endorse an individual’s competence to lead/coach in moderate sea conditions.
Moderate sea conditions are defined as:
“A stretch of coastline with some areas where it is not easy to land but there will always be straightforward land points a maximum of two nautical miles apart. Crossings not exceeding two nautical miles. Up to 2 Knots of tide (but not involving tide race or overfalls). Wind strengths do not exceed Beaufort force 4. Launching and landing through surf (up to 1 metre, trough to crest height).”
What does this mean? Is there a simpler way of visualising/understanding what moderate sea conditions look/feel like?
Can the passage be navigated in both directions?
In essence the above definition describes a coastline that is reasonably escapable, in both directions, by average sea kayak group members, i.e. not complete beginners. The key question that needs be asked is - can the coastline be navigated in both directions, throughout the day of the activity?
Wind strengths do not exceed Beaufort force 4
Wind strength may affect our ability to paddle in both directions along the coast or threaten to blow the team offshore. A force 5+ downwind run would be difficult to reverse and restrict our escape opportunities.
Up to 2 Knots of tide (but not involving tide race or overfalls)
Current of more than 2 knots may again affect our ability to paddle in both directions along the coast or threaten to drift the team offshore. Tideraces and overfalls have the added complication of potentially becoming very committing at some stage during the tidal cycle. They should be avoided even if they appear benign for much of the day’s tidal cycle. Many experienced sea kayakers have inadvertently found themselves stuck the wrong side of a tidal gate! At best, this would prolong the day’s activity, and at worst can expose sea kayakers to worsening conditions.
Straightforward land points a maximum of two nautical miles apart
This constrains the commitment level of the journey, ensuring that the group is within 20-40 minutes of safety. Landing points with easy access to roads are ideal. And landing points with “up to 1 metre, trough to crest height” would not be considered “straightforward”.
To summarise: can the passage be navigated in both directions, throughout the day of the activity? Could we be blown/drifted offshore? And will we always be within 20-40 minutes of a safe landing?