Crossing Lake Michigan

Tighe · Post by **Tighe** » Sat Jul 28, 2007 9:43 am

Denis and I are crossing Lake Michigan this week. After starting with a group of nearly 60 riders interested it has come down to Denis, Chaz (the coordinator) and myself making the journey. Chaz spent countless hours trying to track down chase boats but in the end we were not able to find boats that were willing to make the crossing in 15mph+ winds. So this has ended up being one of the longest unassisted kiteboarding crossings to date.

Since we're not going to have the luxury of boat support, we have to bring everything with us. We're teched out with Personal Locator Beacons, two way radios to communicate with eachother, cell phones (for nearshore communication) and cameras for the photo ops. We also have food and water for the potential 8-12 hours in the water, clothing for the trip back (some have been sent ahead), waterproof flares, and a first aid kit.

We are relying on the PLBs as our safety net. If something unforseen happens "out there" we activate the PLB and our location will be broadcast to seach and rescure authorities for the next 48 hours. The coast guard will also be aware of our course and will be informed when we leave, when we expect to arrive, and will be notified when we arrive.

The course we have chosen is 54miles from near Two Rivers Wisconsin to near Ludington Michigan. We are hoping for a good SW flow to give us a slight beam reach. We are giving ourselves a week window to keep our eye on the forecasts and choose the best time to make the trek.

My biggest fear is that the wind will die off completely in the middle of the lake. If that were to happen we'd probably float for a few hours hoping for a return of the wind, then activate the PLB. How long we float will be decided at that time. This is not a race so Denis and I are staying together the entire way. Chaz, the coordinator, has choosen to use a Surf Runner (blow molded deep surf board/boat) instead of a board for his crossing. His speed will be so much less than ours he is ok doing it solo.

If everything goes as planned we will make the journey in 3-4 hours. Not that much longer than a decent session, with the exception that it will be on one tach the whole way. May have to go toeside for a rest.

The winds are greatly effected by the land on a lake this large. You can have a westerly flow completely shut off as Wisconsin warms up and draws the cool air in off the lake. Conversely the wind can strengthen as you approach Michigan as the land pulls a westerly flow inland. We're hoping for an early morning breeze so we can get off before the land warms up too much.

While not having a chase boat does require a lot more gear, the thought of being out there, without land in sight for nearly two hours, just us riding the wind, is enticing as hell for me. Not sure why.

Badger Ferry has offered us a state room for our return trip across the lake. I have a feeling I'll be on deck instead, reconnecting with the lake that nurtured our passage.

We'll post updates when we decide to go and after we've completed the journey.

While I'm doing this to fulfill some wierd desire of mine, we are also doing it to raise money for the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin.

Here's the website for the Crossing, please donate anything you can to the Children's Hospital. There is a link midway down the left side.

http://xlakemi.blogspot.com/

Bill S. · Post by **Bill S.** » Sat Jul 28, 2007 12:34 pm

Tighe and Denis, good luck! We're over here at our place on the Lake Michigan beach about two hours north of Ludington. This week promises beautiful weather but only a light southwesterly flow. Late afternoon sea breezes have been ridable on big kites within a half mile of shore--not much help for the crossing but fun for a strong finish to the beach. Hopefully the fleet will pick up a boost from a slight low developing midweek in the plains. Have fun!

Bill

Hank · Post by **Hank** » Sat Jul 28, 2007 8:27 pm

Guess you haven't had a near death experience YET on the water.

May God be with you.

Micky · Post by **Micky** » Sun Jul 29, 2007 12:08 am

Good luck to both of you! Life is short, so give it your best! I risk my life everyday on scaffolding, but I'd rather die doing what you're doing. My heart is with you both. I'm leaving for Seattle in 3 days. My worst fear is sharks. It's only in your mind...........See you in Autumn!

chazb40 · Post by **chazb40** » Sun Jul 29, 2007 1:34 am

Tighe,

Thank you very much for the note about Children's Hospital of Wisconsin.

Although you are in MN, C.H.of W. serves kids from around the country and is the 5th ranked children's hospital in the U.S.

We appreciate your wishes and support!!

Chaz

Tom L · Post by **Tom L** » Sun Jul 29, 2007 7:56 am

Wow, Tighe & Denis, hats off to you guys!! Good luck! Can't wait to hear the full report.

steveb · Post by **steveb** » Sun Jul 29, 2007 11:44 am

With no support boat I think it's foolish, just say's to me you have no big open water experience and don't understand what true open water can get like.
If a summer storm comes in I dread to think what will happen.
I wish you both luck, I hope you'll be safe, I hope you change your minds.

poceyjp1 · Post by **poceyjp1** » Sun Jul 29, 2007 12:57 pm

Good luck to all three of you.

Jeff G · Post by **Jeff G** » Sun Jul 29, 2007 1:38 pm

I don't know. Too dangerous for boats, but you guys are gonna kite across! Sounds awesome. Wish I was going. I'm sure it'll be a blast and an experience you'll never forget. Have you contacted any media?

Tighe · Post by **Tighe** » Sun Jul 29, 2007 2:31 pm

Please be assured we have thought through most worst case scenarios and have taken the necessary precautions. We have taken and will continue to take all necessary steps to reduce the risks involved. We are not going into this without considerable forethought and caution. As a father I would not even consider something like this without it.

Hank · Post by **Hank** » Sun Jul 29, 2007 7:53 pm

When the still sea conspires an armor
And her sullen and aborted
Currents breed tiny monsters
True sailing is dead
Awkward instant
And the first animal is jettisoned
Legs furiously pumping
Their stiff green gallop
And heads bob up
Poise
Delicate
Pause
Consent
In mute nostril agony
Carefully refined
And sealed over

mdh01 · Post by **mdh01** » Sun Jul 29, 2007 8:36 pm

Good luck...I too gave this some serious thought. I backed out when I couldn't even decide which kite to use!

Sounds like you've both thought through a number of scenarios with this. It would be great to hear what equipment you are planning to use:

Kite size
Board size
Plans for handling the wide range of temps (air and water)
Etc...

I suppose the planning and thinking through all these logistics is a big part of the draw!

Best wishes and we all look forward to the happy stories at the end.

Mark

ice_kmauve · Post by **ice_kmauve** » Sun Jul 29, 2007 10:03 pm

You men are made out of different stuff than I. This is a bold move, I will wait to hear stories upon completion. Please exercise all due discretion, check your gear at least three times, and of course, godspeed.

freejoshua7 · Post by **freejoshua7** » Sun Jul 29, 2007 10:21 pm

You guys are the definition of American bad asses

JRN · Post by **JRN** » Mon Jul 30, 2007 6:29 am

I admire your courage & self confidence in tackling such a feat. I am amazed that some magazine or someone wouldn't provide support & coverage. Hope you have plenty of protective survival gear and proceed carefully! JRN

gbgreen59 · Post by **gbgreen59** » Mon Jul 30, 2007 7:52 am

Go get'm guys. We'll be rooting for you all the way.

Gary

champlin · Post by **champlin** » Mon Jul 30, 2007 8:39 am

Are you considering wearing dry suits, if not maybe you should, Lake Michigan is not very warm, exposure especially if the wind cuts out when you are out quite a ways and if you had to drift for any amount of time could be costly if you know what I mean. Even if you activated your PLB it could take the coast gaurd 1/2 or better to get to you.

Tom L · Post by **Tom L** » Mon Jul 30, 2007 8:44 am

I think they have to be wearing suits of some type. I believe the lake is only 45° -50°.

Oooops....try 70°

http://www.landbigfish.com/watertemps/michigan.cfm

chanrider · Post by **chanrider** » Mon Jul 30, 2007 2:35 pm

Best of luck guys, we are all pulling for ya!

I couldn't get the Google button to work for me so I just sent a check...

You can also pay by check:
Make Checks Payable to Children's Hospital of Wisconsin (Please put "X Lake MI Event" on the memo line).

Send donations to:
Heidi S.
Special Events Coordinator
Children's Hospital Foundation
5583 Waterford Lane, Ste. A
Appleton, WI 54913

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!!!!
--Chaz

JRN · Post by **JRN** » Fri Aug 03, 2007 3:26 pm

Re-read the posts & found that alot of us are expressing caution & concern
for our Kiting Adventurers. I feel they are free to attempt whatever they can conjure up, as long as it does not endanger the lives of others. I have also heard that many rescue operations send a BIG HEFTY BILL to those who require saving after the fact. Not sure what the Coast Guard does, but I did talk with a C.G. person in Corpus & asked if they had ever rescued any kiters. She replied in the negative, but urged me to be careful regardless. I know I'd never attempt any crossing of length without a chase boat, but would not stand in the way of others who might. Jim N.

LAKAWA

Crossing Lake Michigan

Crossing Lake Michigan

Thanks for the Commercial Plug!! :)

luck

Proud of You!

JEN?