If you’re not a wave wuss this one’s for you directly from the Skipper. 

Until one is totally comfortable in the boat and can row a straight corse in a light crosswind, don’t row if the wind speed is 10 mph or higher.

As most of you are aware, the winds on our lake are unpredictable and can beome gusty in a moment.  If you do get caught out in conditions you’re are struggling with, here are a few thoughts that will help you get back to the dock:

1) Try to row dead into the wind or dead with it.  It is the corsswind that is hard to handle and puts water in your boat.

2)  Into the wind, shorten your stroke and maintain momentum.  It requires far more energy to accelerate the boat if the wind and chop stop it on each stroke.  Although it is conter-intuitive, relaxing when rowin rough water is imperative.  The boat will stay right side up if YOU let it.

3)  If you find yourself surfing white caps north up the lake from the shelter of Garland Road, be sure you get into our cove.  If you get north of the point east of our House, you may have to walk home (did y’all know that point is Roxanne Point?).

4)  Sometimes you may have to row a course that isn’t the most direct route home.  Rowing along the shore all the way around may be safer way to get home than cutting straight across the lake.

5)  Use common sense!  If in doubt, don’t leave the dock.