It is often seen as a privilege to live on an island but by its very nature this means that it is necessary to cross open water to achieve your next landfall. For many this journey involves ferries or flights but as sea kayakers, at times, we are in control of our own destiny. Paddling across open stretches of water to achieve landfall on an offshore reef or neighbouring island.
The key to successful crossings is obtaining information and planning prior to departure whilst monitoring your progress and being able to modify your route, whilst underway, if necessary. Having the information close to hand whilst paddling enables changes to be made. I now record all my data in a small waterproof notebook as well as having a laminated chart on my deck. In many ways the hard work is completed at home the night before, or wherever you happen to be staying.
Last week, over the space of 5 days I completed six open crossings all different in their own way and requiring different responses. The first was a visit to the Ecrehous, just over 5 nautical miles in length but made slightly more interesting by the presence of fog. We didn’t see the reef until we were within a mile. This is a crossing, which I have completed hundreds of times but still takes on a completely different complexion when the visibility is reduced. It is not that easy to relax, pay attention to the compass.
Wednesday was a paddle to Sark, 12 nautical miles to the north, but with some very useful tidal assistance. Unfortunately some of this assistance was offset due to a 12 knot northerly wind. Visibility was very good but we resisted the temptation to turn too early towards our destination. Following the bearing on the compass and the drift on the GPS, as opposed to a straight line towards our destination.
There is always a sense of relief at the end of a reasonably long crossing, as the bow of the kayak touches land. I always ensure that I have a treat close to hand, which I will have, prior to getting changed or lifting the kayaks up the beach. My treat of choice, at the moment is a chocolate bar and a bottle of Fanta (other fizzy orange flavoured drinks are available). A quick restoration of possible flagging energy levels.
Sometimes unseen problems can arise. On open crossings I have contacted Jersey Coastguard, for a number of years, and have always found them to be supportive and helpful. Leaving Herm one morning a few years ago we decided to radio Guernsey Coastguard, to inform them that we were leaving Herm and crossing to Alderney, a paddle of just over 20 nautical miles. I got the feeling that they weren’t used to kayakers radioing in and they insisted that we called every hour, with our location and the “well being” of the group. Whatever that meant.
A successful crossing was dependent upon catching the tidal window, particularly at the Alderney Race. The problem with calling every hour was that we lost at least 5 minutes whilst making the call. The situation was made slightly more challenging when we lost the signal, we were only using handheld VHF radios after all. Suddenly we had the Alderney Coastguard calling on Channel 16, and insisting on staying on Channel 16 as opposed to moving to a working channel. Effectively this meant that virtually every vessel in the area listened to our communication as opposed to just those having an interest in Alderney. We lost over 30 minutes on these calls and by the time we arrived at Alderney the tide had already started flowing south, we only just made it in. Needless to say, the next day for our paddle to Sark we didn’t radio in.
Open crossings, love or hate them, are an integral part of sea kayaking. They open up some amazing destinations but require detailed planning. British Canoeing offer two courses in navigation, which give plenty of practical examples of tidal planning and are a good starting point on your journey to becoming a competent navigator. Practice drawing vectors, which allow for the impact of tidal streams. Nothing prepares you though for the apprehension generated by pushing off from a safe shore and heading across a stretch of open water, towards a destination which may not even be visible. As with most things, start simple, gain confidence and experience before expanding your horizons. Have a great week and enjoy your time on the water.