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Sample: Paddling Through Floating Ice
A calving glacier produces flotillas of beautiful, multi-colored icebergs.
The ice comes in different sizes:
· Brash ice is less than 6 feet across.
· Growler ice is larger than 6 feet but less than 3 feet tall.
· Bergy bits are larger: 3-15 feet tall.
· Icebergs are taller than 15 feet
Paddling through floating ice is a surreal experience. However, ice
can flip over or break up unexpectedly. As the Titanic's crew discovered,
ice floating in water shows only about 10% of its mass, leaving 90% under
water. Since saltwater melts ice faster than the air, all icebergs are inherently
unstable. A wave from a calving event or passing boat (or even a kayak)
may be all that is required to capsize a berg. The larger and more top-heavy
a berg, the farther away you should stay. Keep at least one boat length
away from growler ice. Near bergy bits and icebergs estimate the height
of the piece, and keep at least 10 times that distance. For example: Keep
150 feet away from a 15-foot tall iceberg, because 90% of its mass is under
water. If your boat length is 15-17 feet, estimate 10 boat lengths and keep
that distance. Be particularly careful when taking photographs, as you may
not notice how close you are drifting as you set up the camera. Finally,
do not attempt to walk on floating ice of any size, paddle under arches,
or go near grounded ice. Ice of any size or shape can break up with little
or no warning.
When approaching floating ice, the view from a distance is often a long,
white impenetrable looking flat-topped barrier. This can be caused by a
mirage effect or ice that looks like a line of ice when viewed at water
level, or even actually densely packed ice.
In all but the last instance, there is usually a way through. First,
if possible, scout a route by going ashore and looking down on the ice.
A three-boat raft of kayaks firmly braced, will allow the middle kayaker
to stand up to scout the floe. Pick a route through the thinnest and smallest
ice. If the wind and current are obviously moving the ice, aim to the upwind/upcurrent
side. Avoid shallow areas where ice may be thick or grounded. On the far
side of a shallow area, look for open water. Once in the ice, paddle single
file with your rudders up to avoid damage. A plastic or stout, inflatable
kayak can often serve as an icebreaker for a fleet of fiberglass boats.
A single kayak in front can maneuver through the ice better than a double.
You can paddle through very thick, small brash ice for short distances;
however, do not venture into thick ice for extended distances. Besides the
potential danger of being flipped by a large rolling berg, you could also
get stuck in the ice. It is often difficult to turn a kayak around in thick
ice. If you become stuck, patiently drift as currents will gradually break-up
the ice pack, try paddling backwards, or try to execute a long slow
turn into clearer water.
Marine mammals take refuge on floating ice. Any disturbance will put
these already threatened species at risk by making them plunge into the
icy water and waste valuable energy. Avoid seals and sea otters hauled out
on ice. The ice is their refuge from cold water and predators. Stay at least
a hundred yards away. If seals start to lift their heads and look at you,
steer away from them.
Paddling in ice is not to be taken lightly. The best course of action
is to avoid thick ice and enjoy its natural beauty from a safe distance.
(From pp. 100-102. Photographs omitted).