We’re planning a large family trek of beginners. We will be kayaking the Kennebec River - mostly flatwater sections. It’s springtime, the water is plenty deep.
This question is relatively simple. We want to head with the current/tide. If High tide is at 9:45 am and Low is at 4:55 pm, when should we put in for a 4-5 hr trip? Midway to low or other another time?
Thanks
Getting the best help …
When you post you might want to put the name of the River in the title of your post, that way people with local knowledge can help you out. With Tides, local knowledge of the river is very, very useful, since the topography and bathymetry affect how water moves up and down the inlet and what flows, waves, currents will exist. Also helps to post where you want to put in. A generic answer would be to start paddling up stream about two hours before high tide and turn around at high tide, but without knowing the river flow, and tide heights on the day you are paddling, as well as the river, who knows.
Great Resource
Ray Killen’s book called Simple Kayak Navigation, or something like that. The subtitle is easier to remember: Practical Piloting for the Passionate Paddler.
He gives several good examples of launch times, currents, tide charts, etc. A good skill to know.
Local knowledge from a guide familiar with the area trumps all, however. Even for the most experienced navigator.
which section of the Kennebec?
That will answer some of your questions. Above Bath the tide shouldn’t be much of an issue, more concerns with river flow, currents, etc. Also depends on the “beginner” status, abilities and strength, unexpected currents can overwhelm quickly. Perhaps a lake trip is more in order?
Current predictions
Current predictions for the Kennebec are here:
http://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/currents11/tab2ac1.html#4
It’s important to note that on rivers the current does not necessarily turn at high or low tide.
One way or round trip?
Are you going to be shuttling or turning around?
Also, where did you get those tide times from - are they for a harbor downriver or higher up? There can be a lag.
tricky
Tidal planning on a place like the Kennebec can be quite tricky. If you’re leading beginners, and you yourself are not experienced with tidal currents, it might be better to pick another route. I don’t know what area of the Kennebec you’re considering, but south of Bath, currents are considerable, and south of Phippsburg the conditions are often downright treacherous.
More info
Sorry here is more relevant info.
Kayaking from Augusta to Richmond.
1 way - we’ll move our vehicles to the ending spot before we put in.
More info
Sorry here is more relevant info.
Kayaking from Augusta to Richmond.
1 way - we’ll move our vehicles to the ending spot before we put in.