A lake looks simple from the shore. Flat water, a far bank, a straight line between them. In a packraft, the straight line is a decision, not a default. The far side can be closer on foot, safer around the edge, or an easy hop across if you pick the right hour. Here is how to choose, and how to cross well when you do.
Edge or open water
The shoreline is the default route. It is longer, but it keeps land within a few strokes. You can land whenever you want, the water is often calmer in the lee of the bank, and you see far more: inlets, birds, the creek mouths that feed the lake.
A crossing is the shortcut. It saves time and distance, and on a still morning it is one of the best things you can do in a packraft. It also puts you furthest from help at the moment conditions are most likely to change.
The question to ask is not how far across it is. It is how long you will be exposed, and what happens if the wind gets up halfway.
How wind builds on a lake
On most lakes, mornings are calmer and the breeze builds through the day as the land heats. Valley winds funnel along the length of a lake, and the longer the stretch of open water the wind blows across, the bigger the chop it raises. That stretch is called fetch.
Two things follow. Cross early, and cross the short way. A crossing at first light over a narrow neck of water is a different trip from the same line in the afternoon down the long axis of the lake.
Mountain and highland lakes make their own weather. Wind can drop off a ridge with little warning, and cloud can roll in and flatten the light so the far shore disappears. Check the forecast for wind speed and direction, then look at the water when you arrive. Forecasts describe a region. Lakes do their own thing.
Plan the crossing
- Pick the narrowest line, even if it means walking or paddling the edge to reach it.
- Look upwind before you commit. Dark ripples moving across the surface are wind on its way.
- Choose an aiming point on the far shore you can see the whole way: a gully, a big tree, a bare slope.
- Allow for drift. If the wind is from one side, aim upwind of your landing and let it push you down.
- Set a turn-around point. If conditions build before you reach halfway, go back.
- Pick bail-out points on both shores before you leave: beaches or low banks where you can land in a hurry.
On the water
Paddle at a steady cadence you can hold for the whole crossing. Short, quick strokes beat big pulls that leave you drifting between them. Keep your weight low and centred, and trim the packraft slightly bow-down so the nose does not blow off downwind.
Paddling in a group? Stay close. A tight group can talk, share the work of navigation and help each other if someone tips. Spread out across a lake and you are three solo paddlers who cannot reach each other.
If a crossing starts to feel marginal, turn toward the nearest shore rather than pushing on. A packraft is light, and you can land, deflate and walk it round. That is the whole advantage of a craft that rolls into your pack.
Cold water changes the maths
Highland and alpine lakes stay cold, even in summer. A swim in cold water saps your strength fast, and a tip in the middle of a crossing is a long swim to shore. That is the real reason to keep crossings short.
Wear your PFD done up, dress for immersion rather than the air temperature, and carry a dry layer in a dry bag. Leave your trip intentions with someone who will raise the alarm if you are overdue. On big or remote lakes, a PLB or satellite messenger on your PFD is a sound addition.
Getting back in
Practise a deep-water re-entry before you need one. Pick a warm day and shallow, calm water near the shore. Push the packraft upright, reach across the tubes, kick hard and pull yourself across on your stomach, then roll into the seat.
Do it a few times until it feels routine. A self-bailing floor drains the water you bring in with you, so once you are back in, you are ready to paddle.
The shoreline is part of the trip
Some of the best lake days never cross at all. Paddling the edge lets you explore bays and creek mouths, stop for a swim on your own beach and land whenever the breeze arrives. On a big lake, a loop around one arm often beats a dash across the middle.
The Solo and Tourer suit a day of edge-hopping and short crossings with a light load. Taking a partner or a week of gear? That is the Duo.
Every Seeka self-bails and carries a two-year warranty on materials and welding. Or hire one for a weekend first.