Probably nothing we do while cruising requires more skill and experience than running an inlet, particularly in bad conditions. Even in good conditions, entering, or leaving, a new inlet is cause for concern and concentration. But when an inlet is beset by wind against tide, or it’s narrow, or there’s other traffic, or there are shoals or reefs on either side, or you’re in reduced visibility…well, the list goes on and on.
Preparing in advance is crucial. You have to know what the channel looks like, and you have to be able to read the waves and know how you’re going to deal with them. You also have to have the confidence to say no, to wait it out if things are really bad, and that’s not easy when there are other people on board who may have other plans.
As in all facets of cruising, experience helps. But so does knowledge. Here are some great tips from Sport Fishing, with advice from a variety of pros, about the best ways to run an inlet:
http://www.sportfishingmag.com/how-to-safely-run-ocean-inlets#page-13
