NYCkayaker 5 boro thing

[bob1may at optonline.net]

Carter,Yes, thank you for taking this task on.I
think information such as Erik's paragraph below about the the crossing
from Red Hook to SI is good stuff to present to the CG as evidence that
we actually do understand and think about things like traffic, currents
and wind in planing these events.I think the "nightmare
scenario" clearly illustrates a lack of understanding on the CG's part
of the seaworthiness of kayaks, and the ability of kayakers to perform
rescues in the event of a capsize.  It seems that we need to make an
initiative to EDUCATE THE COAST GUARD.  Perhaps we could stage a
demonstration event for the CG to demonstrate kayaks ability to not
capsize at the slightest wake, and to perform a few different types of
rescues.Bob----- Original Message -----From: Erik Baard Date: Wednesday, September 5, 2007 7:39 amSubject: Re: NYCkayaker 5 Boro: Now we need four motor boatsTo: nyckayaker at rockandwater.netCarter,Thanks
for your help, but let's be clear that the items you mention are in
addition to the application form submitted by the LIC Community
Boathouse and NYC Dept of Parks and Recreation.We were asked
for an upper limit of participants, which we have as 50 people. We
provided way points and route in text, as requested, but were not asked
for a chart. Parks might have nautical charting software but I don't.
I'll ask, unless another volunteer can step forward faster than a
likely Parks response.Of course we will have plenty of marine
radios. I do worry about establishing rigid ratios because if
enthusiastic joiners/supporters paddle up to us en route, some
officious CG person might argue that we can no longer prove that our
ratio meets those specs. Our final crossing, Red Hook to
Staten Island, will be very wind dependent. Also, please keep in mind
that we do not want to cross much further south of Red Hook. That
choice is very! deliberate: with the currents as they will be, paddlers
and rowers can make their way west and allow for tidal currents to
ferry them south to the island. I've done this often. If we cross too
much further south, we'll buck a current along the Staten Island coast,
east of the St. George point. That would not be safe or helpful at the
end of a long tour.Crossing
from Governors Island to New Jersey might not work because of ferrying
currents, but we can try. More security zones there (refineries and the
like) and we'll cross a wider section of the Upper Bay and encounter
more routes of traffic. Wakes clash between them a bit east of
Governors Island. I've done that before and had some enjoyable
adventures, but it would be an ironic choice considering the officer
warned me, to justify the need for four boats, of a nightmare scenario
of a large wake spilling 20 of the 50 participants and having six
people die. He wasn't citing an actual case, but conjuring images of
wh! at he felt could happen. I did gently voice some skepticism. O
ne practical measure I am taking is to encourage more participants to
use tandem kayaks, reducing the number of boats out there. But our most
skilled, veteran paddlers will paddle their own solo boats.Again, thank you so much for your help.Best regards to all,Erik
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