Wind & Tacking with a Shell

With the long Columbus Day weekend, we rowed three times. The first two were very windy -gusts coming out of the north or northeast respectively. Monday, with only a slight breeze, was amazing in comparison.

On previous windy days, we'd already picked up the trick of rowing closer to the shore where the wind is coming from. The houses, trees, etc. help to break the wind and calm the water. On the far shore, the wind has the most room to run, pick up to full speed, and kick up the highest waves.

Our traditional starting run goes straight south from our home cove. So, we're doing pretty well with the wind in our faces. Since we row faster than the wind-blown waves are driven, we're moving into waves quite easily. Everything is hunky-dory. We just need to keep our oars higher out of the water (hands lower) on the recovery.

When we turn to go east at the south side of the water, wham-o! - full cross wind and waves bouncing us around. It doesn't take long to realize the difference. After a bit of struggling, I realize that we'd probably be better off zig-zagging across the stretch. I think sailboats "tack" into the wind to move forward. So, we tack "across" the wind to minize the turbulence. It's definitely bouncy on the zig, but it's much more manageable as long as we stay steady and even in our strokes. The zag is easier than the zig, but no picnic. Saturday was a short row since the cooler weather had us starting late and our need to get the lawn mowed before going to church.

On Sunday, I didn't pick up on the easterly component of the northeast wind. We chose to go up a twisty scenic cove. It wasn't until too late that I realized our path's orientation had us rowing straight into the wind for one of the longest stretches - where I thought we'd be protected by trees. Oh well. It was somewhat compensated once we turned around and headed home - by a big assist from mother nature.

On the way back, we had a funny "I'm gonna smack you!" moment. See the next post.