Patagonia Expedition Race
Kayaking (or not) in Patagonia
Jacqueline Windh / 26.02.2006
In Patagonia, the kayaking segments are the most difficult to plan – weather (mainly wind conditions) is such an influence, and the cold water is unforgiving. It is in the kayak segments that there is greatest possibility of serious accidents.
As an expedition kayaker (but, like I said, not a racer), my route plan is always subject to change, depending upon the tides (which are predictable months in advance) and the winds (which are not!). I live on the west coast of Vancouver Island – a region not too different from Patagonia as far as landscape and climate go. If I am really trying to get somewhere in my kayak, the best conditions for paddling are often extremely early in the morning. It is often best to leave while it is still dark, to avoid the winds that typically increase as the day goes on.
However, in a race, picking your paddling time (and even day – sometimes the fastest way to get somewhere is to actually not paddle!) is not much of an option. You arrive at your transition point, and you want to get on the water as soon as possible. Whereas I would, at times, choose to set out before sunrise, "dark zone" closures for paddling (in this case enforced by the Chilean Navy, whether race organizers want them or not) don't allow this freedom of choice. For the long kayak segments in Patagonia Expedition Race (this year between 50 and 140 km!), this pretty much guarantees that paddlers will still be on the water in late afternoon, when winds are typically strongest. Not how I would personally plan my trip.... but the racers don't have much choice.
Three kayaking sections were planned in this year's race – but not a single one was completed by any team.
SleepMonsters
