Concur with Deep Trouble. And More Deep Trouble is even better.
KR, You are on a mission to learn LOTS of info. It is not a sprint. It is a marathon and most of the work is in the training and learning how your body copes. As I was told many years ago, the way to learn to kayak is lots of “butt in boat time” in different conditions. That usually takes several seasons to achieve both skill and confidence.
The most underrated and too often ignored skill is reading the water and weather. For a trip such as yours planned, your life will depend on mastering those two.
Agree w above, paddle float self rescue most accessible for you in that boat, now. And you do need balance on top of the boat even to make that work.
You need to do that first. And will find it very tiring. Park ideas about making any long paddles to start. If you just go out to work on the paddle float self rescue you will be bushed in under an hour.
And as above start now paying attention to the weather, reading marine forecasts and observing what is happening on the water. No need to be in a boat for most of that and it can save your life.
There are only two groups of people that go on long paddles solo.
The first group are those with a lot of experience, judgement, the right equipment and the heart of a lion.
The second group are those without the faintest idea what they are getting into.
I ordered a camp stove and a mess kit today. I am getting excited that the Kayak will be here Friday if Amazon & Old Town stick to delivery schedule. I know I cant take it out of the lock, and have to stick to Moses Lake, but its getting real. I am preparing and its so hard to be patient. I have a tent and sleeping bag and its getting real for me.
For camping don’t wait until you get to the launch before you try packing your boat. It probably holds a lot less than you think. I’ve seen a lot of gear go back into a car at the beginning of kayak camping trips. Everything in a dry bag. There’s no such thing as a totally dry storage compartment. Nothing like a wet sleeping bag to take the fun out of camping.
Try a short paddle with the boat loaded to see how it handles. A friend went on a solo trip to Alaska and almost immediately capsized due to the way his boat was packed. It could have been fatal as he was dropped off by seaplane and was all alone.
Avoid excessive gear strapped on your deck. It’s easy to lose in a capsize and makes the boat less stable.
File a float plan. Don’t plan on cell phone coverage. A VHF radio is often best for emergency communication on the water, plus many are submersible. Learn how to use it. Have some way of checking the weather. Most VHF radios have the weather channels and a weather alert feature.
Always wear a PFD and use a spray skirt. A spray skirt is an essential component of a sea kayak, not an optional accessory. (You MUST be fully comfortable with a wet exit before wearing a spray skirt.). A whistle of other approved sound producing device is a USCG requirement. If paddling at night know the appropriate USCG and local requirements for a light and distress signals.
I was planning to stay on Moses lake for the first week or so. The ocean side of the lake you get though a flood gate is just under 1.5 miles from me. But I guess I could try a 20 mile Galveston trip. I was thinking of doing the wet exit and cowboy scramble for now. I dont think Galveston is doing 4th of July this year. But I could go see. I would have to stay on the beach or have someone come get me if the night turned bad
20 miles is a bit ambitious for a first time out, but is doable. Go out for a few shorter trips first to get an idea of what you are up to and what paddling a distance feels like… Maybe spend a day just off the beach to practice basic paddle strokes. It’s a good idea to have someone spot you for learning a wet exit. Stay near shore until you can get back in your boat in deep water. Getting back in the boat is a whole different world in rough conditions, so don’t become overconfident.
Hmmm…20 miles (not to mention 4000+ miles) with a heavy aluminum/fiberglass paddle? Your ambition and enthusiasm continues to amaze! Honestly you certainly have my admiration.
Start saving up; for your planned use you really need a top quality, lightweight, full carbon paddle like a Werner or a Lendal. The Overmont does look sturdy though so it should make a decent backup.
At some point - probably soon - you’ll decide whether you’re a high-angle or low-angle paddler. That will decide the paddle length you need. For high-angle paddling (and a narrower boat) you’ll probably want something more in the 210cm range.
Oh and if the Overmont came with a paddle leash then toss it. There is too much risk of entanglement if you capsize, especially if you’re paddling solo.
I am green I didnt know about Paddles till I started to read, watch video and talk to you all. I think the Overmont is as I said heavy and big, but I had to start somewhere. Your advice is good, but you would still recommend those paddles if I told you I am 5’8"
I am here to learn. I am getting an education and that is good. Thank you!
The vast majority of paddlers use a low angle paddle. especially when starting out. Most will stay with that. The muscles used for each differ a bit and those used for low angle paddling are usually naturally better conditioned in most people. A lot of people that I know that have high angle paddles end up paddling with a low angle style anyway, especially if tired. A low angle paddle generally puts you in a better position to quickly use a brace, if needed. The advantage of a high angle paddle is that they are a bit more efficient. They do tend to put a bit more strain on your shoulders though, especially the aggressive paddles with wider blades.
You definitely want the lightest paddle that you can afford, especially if you are planning on distance paddling. Every ounce of extra weight can mean throwing an extra ton of weight on a 10 mile paddle.
You need to be in the boat to know for sure what length of paddle you need. You can use the paddle you have to find this out. Study and practice the video of the forward stroke to get the technique down. The forward stroke is what you will be using the most often. Avoid bad habits.
The proper length of your paddle will depend on the boat and you. The proper length is when you don’t hit the side of the boat and for the majority of your stroke the entire length of the blade is fully in the water. No more and no less. Too much or too little blade in the water can dramatically reduce efficiency, as can poor technique.
Most paddlers in a normal sea kayak with a low angle paddle with use a paddle from 215-225cm. Many people end up being sold a paddle that is too long for them. I don’t know why. Maybe they are more expensive. Very tall people or people with a very wide boat may need a longer paddle. If you choose a high angle paddle you will need a shorter paddle.
Feather angle is a good subject to start a war. I paddle an unfeathered paddle. The wind resistance argument I find unconvincing, as how often do you paddle directly into the wind. (I know, all of the time!) More convincing to me is that different people find that a certain angle will feel more comfortable and produce less stress on their wrists. Experiment when starting out to see what feels best for you. Whatever you choose, never change that angle to adjust for conditions. Stay with it. The angle of your paddle blades must become part of muscle memory. You need to know where they are without thinking as you brace, roll, or look to impress others with your stunning acceleration. A paddle blade out of position will have you slicing the blade through the water followed by a spectacular capsize.
Oh heck, feathered v unfettered… At least it isn’t skeg and rudders.
Only thing l have to say there is to echo what prior person said. Find an angle and stay with it for a while. Once you have the stroke operating better you can explore different or no feathering.
I agree with what was said in the posts above. Most people do start with low-angle but at least in my experience, many - especially younger paddlers - move to high-angle.
Here’s a short video that might help…
I’m 6’ 0" and my heavier Aquabound low-angle paddle is 230cm although it has become my “loaner” and I don’t use it much. My bent-shaft Werner Cyprus that I use most of the time is a high-angle paddle at 210cm. You should try both styles and decide for yourself.
I went through all sorts of feather angles but now prefer zero. Of course you could learn about Greenland paddles at which point the feathering angle is moot!
Rob - I’d worry more about weather that time of year than anything else.
Hurricane season starts June 1 and gets more active in August/September.
Consider that trip (500 miles?) another time of year. Also having a partner for
the trip would be good.
My original plan was to do the trip in December or January, as the water would be about 55 here in Galveston, and about the same temp once I got to Maine. Right now I think I have to learn the skills needed for kayaking.
