I have a 12 ft old town angler kayak that I bought last fall and finally got to take it out on the river. I’m new to kayaking, have done it on vacations in lagoons, but this is the first time on fast water.
What is a safe speed on cfs on water to paddle in for a beginner? Also, it was 4200cfs when I put in and I couldn’t paddle upstream with it. I just sat still no matter how aggressive I was. The minute I stopped paddling I of course went zipping away lol. On less cfs, will I be able to paddle upstream? I realize I was in way over my head with that cfs, so thats why I’m asking what cfs would be more safer to go in.
My plan was the paddle upstream and troll down by just floating while fishing.
What suggestions do you have, there is no one here that gives lessons, I have begged friends of friends to just take me out and show me the ropes and no one responds back. So I’m just trying to learn on my own. I have rafted alot so its not new that way, but kayaking in itself is new.
Thanks!
First off, a wide heavy fishing kayak like that is not one that you can expect to be able to paddle very easily upstream, even at low flow. You might have to look into getting a small trolling motor if you intend to drift fish like you describe. There is no hard and fast rule on cfm — it really depends on the stream. A wide flat and deep river is a lot different than a narrow, rocky creek at the same cfm. Most ratings on whether a stream is safe to paddle go by the water level, not the CFM anyway, like this one for Pennsylvania streams (you’ll see the low and high by feet recommended range for canoeing in the first columns.)http://www.learningdesign.com/cgi-local/…
It would be best in those conditions to set up a car shuttle and just put in upstream and float down to the lower car. I am also a little concerned about your safety in being out alone in such fast water — you could get caught in a strainer and quickly drown on your own, or hit a submerged obstacle and capsize and lose the boat. Why don’t you look on Meetup.com in your area and see if there is a kayaking group? Most regions have one and it makes it easier to find fellow paddlers to join on trips and to teach you techniques and safety. I would advise you to try very hard to find an outfitter or experienced paddler to teach you proper paddling form and make sure you have the right paddle — that can greatly improve your enjoyment.
Also, check with local fishing or paddling shops about their recommendations for safe levels on local streams.
Good luck with all of it. Kayaking is a great way to enjoy the outdoors.