Banks Channel in the Wind
On Saturday, November 2, the Calvary Baptist Church went on a paddle trip with the Kayak Carolina of Wilmington outfitter who supplied the boats and a guide. They launched from the NC Wildlife ramp at Federal Point (the southern-most end of US Hwy 421) and went to Zeke’s Island. Janet Smith and I, Bob Laney, had registered to go, but we both developed back pain from musculo-skeletal problems which prevented us from participating.
So, the next day, November 3, Bob and Janet were still wanting to float a boat and wet a paddle, so we went on our own shorter trip in Banks Channel. We launched from a public water access point beside at the south end of Waynick Boulevard at the end of the long straight-away and just before the sharp left curve.
Like our last time on Banks Channel, the wind was brisk. It was just below the limit recommended by the Coast Gard for paddle boats. We had considerable chop but no whitecaps. The bigger problem was passing large boats throwing out a wake which tossed us around. During the first few wakes, Janet ducked into sheltered coves between boat docks. Eventually, I showed her how to place her paddle blade flat on the top of the water in a low brace to stabilize her boat. This procedure worked well for the rest of the trip.
We followed the standard rule and first paddled upstream (north) against the current, which happened to also be against the wind, to make our return trip easier and safer. Upon returning to the take-out and put-in, I followed Janet past it further down-stream. We went to a large dock which housed the Coast Guard boats and was at the southern end of the peninsula.
When we turned around to go back to the take-out, we were now paddling against both the current and the wind. As bad luck would have it, Murphy’s Law kicked in and the wind blowing in our faces picked up speed. So, the final phase of our paddle was a good, strong workout. Fortunately, we both had sleek, new boats which cut through the wind and water nicely. Thanks to Bill Webb and Lori Bork for guiding us in our purchases.
A good time was had by all.
