Wind?
I bought my Fathom LV about a month and a half ago and my second paddle was on a seven mile long reservior. As a former cyclist I have always disliked the wind. But on that second paddle the headwind was blowing hard on my five mile paddle back to the car. The wind was ripping the tops of the whitecaps off and flinging them into my face and there was even a little horizontal rain.
Had to hunker down over the front deck and keep my unfeathered paddle close to the water. Every time I tried to edge a turn I had to brace to keep from flpping. Getting the Eddyline on the right track took real effort.
Gotta say that I loved it and hope to go out on more windy days on lakes that aren’t too big for my limited skills.
next time try feathering your paddle
it makes it a little easier in the wind—it doesn’t tend to “grab” the paddle quite so much.
Now Now
– Last Updated: May-25-08 8:17 PM EST –
Don't be so sensitive. If you don't want to be called a wimp by all means don't ask a bunch of strangers if you are being a wimp.
To answer your question... on big coastal water I usually won't go out if the wind is 20 mph or greater. On the local reservoir I've been known to go out and be happy in 40 mph wind. There are some creeks and canals at the coast that are fairly protected and can be comfortably paddled in 30+ mph winds.
A suggestion... if you want folks to know you're a heart transplant survivor you might consider putting that in your profile. You gotta admit a post from someone who calls themself "stouthearted" asking if they're a wimp is more than a little ironic / confusing.