Windy Day

It was a lovely calm day when we started out.


But a couple of miles later one of our local "Santa Ana" winds dropped in on the lake.


Within a few minutes, we were riding some serious chop


At the dam, the built up sea was bouncing back off the abutments, creating a pretty confused sea. Time to don the life vest, just in case


The wind continues to rise, as indicated by the Hairometer, as you can see.


Even the camera can't dodge the spray.


Gusting at 30+, we're getting to brim height.


Finally we top out at full hat speed.


With a little help from the wind toward the dam, we cruised down to the end at about 5.2 MPH. The trip back was somewhat slower, but the Oasis still averaged about 4.5 MPH. Notice how much my wife enjoys her new custom installed handles -- uses them all the time. In return, she was more than happy to shield me against most of the wind and spray -- it was a delightful cruise!

Great report RR. It's good to know that whatever the conditions the Oasis will get you back. We have had similar experiences in ours and have complete confidence that the tandem can handle just about anything! It can get very wet up front though- the back is definitely the place to be.
The handles are a great addition- must add them to ours. A sprayshield would be nice too!

Hey Roadrunner!

Like the handles mod on your Hobie. How about pix and where to purchase them? The molded handles on the AI are not that comfortable and sometimes it's nice to hold on to somthing solid during a rough ride.

I recently added a comfort mod on my AI in the form of two padded arm rests. This by attaching foam insolation that's used for water pipes (from Home Depot) around the two aft aka braces and then wrapped them in black electrical tape. Nice to rest your left fore arm on something soft when using the tiller extention. Getting old makes one apprecitate a little comfort on the water.

Keep the informative reports coming!

Norman aka Punchinello

Hey Roadrunner
I gots to get me one of those sit in fronts for my Island, suppose I could find one just the right size to sit in front of my mast? If so I could do without the spray shield. I see she needs to have long hair also so I can use her for a wind direction and flow meter. You are one clever fellow.
gwiz

Norman- RR reported how he added the handles here:
http://www.hobiecat.com/community/viewtopic.php?t=7577

gwiz- Ssshhhh! I make sure that I never mention sprayshields, windshields or ballast to my partner and I emphasise the huge responsibility controlling the tandem is! Wouldn't want a mutiny!!

I added handles to my Revolution, just under the the indents of the molded in handles. Same ones in RR post above. They are nice when peddling and sailing. I thought they would be handy if I ever dumped. Something to grab onto.

Well speaking of dumping, I got to use them last Saturday. Got caught a gust of wind. I installed some blocks and a cleat. Didn't get it released fast enough.

I was able to right the boat without any difficulty but had trouble getting back in the Rev. I am of stocky build, 250#, getting old and wearing a PFD I couldn't get up and across without the Rev wanting to roll again. Another kayaker came along and steadied the Rev and I was back on.

Any suggestions on how to get back on, rigging, a large short rope tied to handle on other side? I know it will happen again someday. I have the sidekicks on my Christmas list.

Bruce

_________________
Everything before 60 is just a rehearsal!

Hey Roadie..
Hope all is well down your way and you are clear of all the fires from those Santa Ana winds

Kepnutz

Bruce,
I too have this problem: Second time out on my Revo I decided to test my "entrance" into the boat. I just couldn't do it with PFD on, once removed I was able to slide in. But promtly went right back out the other side. (classical) I also think something like a bow to stern rope I could put a foot in, might work. I am going to purchase some Churchill fins and keep them on the back of the boat. I think they will give the kick needed to get in, & in an emergency they could come in handy.
I plan on doing some lite duty skin-diving anyway.

_________________
John Rhodes
New Revo, ST's
Sailing Rudder. Thx Xstreamline.com
Hummingbird 220 FF.

REVO in LA Harbor


Harbor City,
Doesn't have a harbor...
Nor is it a City...

John, thanks for the reply.
I'm glad I am not the only one. Going over the other side was also on my mind. The fins are a good idea as the extra push might just do it. Hopefully there will be other suggestions. I am keeping the sidekicks on the x-mas list.....
Bruce

_________________
Everything before 60 is just a rehearsal!

Look these over


For Sidekick

http://topkayaker.net/cgi-bin/TopYak/ul ... 064#000000

and for the stirrup

http://topkayaker.net/cgi-bin/TopYakcgi ... 2;t=001259

I don't wear a PFD. Makes it easy to get in and out of yak. I carry one. And I am always leashed to the yak. It's my main PFD so to speak.

_________________

Thanks guys,

I knew there were some good ideas out there. The links were very informative. One thing that was posted is, there is no one method that covers everyone. A lot depends on height, upper body strength, arm length, etc.

I have the sidekicks on my to get list thinking that should solve the Huli but knowing that it can/will still happen. I hadn't thought about using them to get back in. That should work for me.

I have a concern with entanglement with ropes. When I capsized last time I had the main sheet around my leg. I made sure I released it right away.

Removing my PFD is a problem for me as I don't float very well. I weigh 250 but am not as big as one might think.

_________________
Everything before 60 is just a rehearsal!