Any Tips on Kayaking in the wind?
- This topic has 6 replies, 6 voices, and was last updated Apr 20, 2011 at 2:52 pm by
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I am really wanting a kayak and have been doing my research and trying various models. Today I borrowed a friend’s kayak and hit a local lake for some fishing (a medium-large lake). It was only moderately windy at 10-12 mph. This was my first time using a standing kayak on a lake and it was challenging to say the least. Basically, as soon as I got into position along a bank and stood up, the wind would blow the kayak out of position; either turning it around or blowing me straight into the bank. I was only able to get an average of one or two casts before having to sit down and paddle back into position. It was constant paddle-stand-cast-sit-paddle-stand-cast-sit. Not at all relaxing.
So for the advanced kayakers . . . how do effectively use a kayak on a big open lake? Should you have an anchor? Any tricks to just get into position and drift while standing?
BTW, Tim P if you are reading this . . . the SA Redfish line (warm water) on the 7wt was a perfect setup for casting deer hair poppers and divers. After the line sits on the hot kayak for a few minutes the memory lessens and that line casts like a dream. Thanks for the tip!
Not sure if this suits your conditions Neal, but I jump shoot out of my boat in the fall and I use a customized (shortened) canoe paddle it keeps my body lower and it’s easier to drop before shooting . I also use a milk jug filled with sand to control my drift by varying the amount of sand.
You answered your own question – an anchor. But, be certain to also install an anchor trolly. That will allow you to more safely position the kayak relative to the wind by positioning the anchor anywhere along the side, front or back of the kayak.
An example:
http://www.harmonygear.com/product/0/anchor_trolley/_/Anchor_TrolleyYou can also search YouTube for videos on how to make your own trolley as well as how best to use them.
Do the anchor trolley set up Ralph mentioned.
Thanks for the information guys. Honestly, I didn’t know that much about anchors and such, but it makes complete sense. The trolley system is vital and after looking at the pictures and diagrams it is a complete “Um . . . Duh” moment. So now that the trolley is clarified, what types of anchors are commonly used? Any recommendations?
FYI, I copied the pictures below from Jimbo’s site http://nativewatercraft.com/jimbo/4-08.cfm
Looks like you have got your answer. If you recall, both of my kayaks had anchor trolley systems. That is the only way you will be able to position the kayak properly in the wind. I use a stake out pole with the trolley system in shallow water flats and switch to the anchor in deeper water.
Once you get the trolley position set you can leave it and raise and lower the anchor and just let it hang when you want to move. You need to run the anchor line through a ring on the trolley system and have a quick release anchor line cleat next to you on the side of the kayak.
I really like sit on tops because I am always slipping in and out of them to wade, but if you want to stand a lot the Native Ultimates are a good choice.
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