Hence I was sick and tired of water seeping into my supposed-to-be-dry compartments, I have chosen to replace the OEM hatches from Valley, with the ones from Kajaksport - and guess what, they stock some that fits nice and snug. Cheers Kajaksport!
Showing posts with label safety. Show all posts
Showing posts with label safety. Show all posts
Jeff Allen t(hr)owbag - additions # 4
The neverending story. :-)
This is # 4, as you might know there sits a # 1, # 2 and # 3 here as well.
I have mounted a cam cleat and a fairlead, behind the cockpit. This gives me the option to mount the towing-system there, instead of having it on my waist. The white robe is always attached to the bag, like shown.
This is a big advance, especially while being one of the mid-persons in an rescue through surf. Should I capsize, not being able to roll up, the tow is still intact. The rest of the group can just continue with the rescue.
Another benefir from this cleat/fairlead solution, is that I can accomodate any lenght of line, I desire.
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It does take a little effort to get out of the system, but so does knots, loops or what ever you have done to achieve different line-lenght.
This is # 4, as you might know there sits a # 1, # 2 and # 3 here as well.
I have mounted a cam cleat and a fairlead, behind the cockpit. This gives me the option to mount the towing-system there, instead of having it on my waist. The white robe is always attached to the bag, like shown.
This is a big advance, especially while being one of the mid-persons in an rescue through surf. Should I capsize, not being able to roll up, the tow is still intact. The rest of the group can just continue with the rescue.
Another benefir from this cleat/fairlead solution, is that I can accomodate any lenght of line, I desire.
It does take a little effort to get out of the system, but so does knots, loops or what ever you have done to achieve different line-lenght.
Jeff Allen t(hr)owbag - alterations # 3
This is # 3, as you might know there sits a # 1 and a # 2 here as well.
As it turned out, the split D-ring in the belt, was not quite strong enough. Especially in surf, the bag was always dangling somewhere behind me. Therefore I (reluctantly) installed the quick release buckle instead.
Only time will tell how happy I will be with this solution.
As it turned out, the split D-ring in the belt, was not quite strong enough. Especially in surf, the bag was always dangling somewhere behind me. Therefore I (reluctantly) installed the quick release buckle instead.
Only time will tell how happy I will be with this solution.
In between swims
When you finally got it nailed, I believe the C2C roll is by far the easiest roll to perform.
Jeff Allen t(hr)owbag - alterations # 2
This is # 2, as you might know there sits a # 1 here as well.
As I do consider my towing-system as being the most important safety equipment, only (hopefully) surpassed by common sense, seamanship and skills, it is very important to me that my system works as efficient as possible - in my hands.
That I have seen, and experienced (in surf, moving water, rock-gardens, gulleys, etc, etc...), the importance of a fast and simple system, I do my best to pinpoint the flaws, and fix them. This is the reason why my system looks like this - other people might have other preferences, and therefore their system will look different from mine.
This is how I have had the system for quite a while.
As you can see, I am not too happy about it :-) Besides I feel it hinders me, doing forward rolls.
The bag and carabina hangs in a split D-ring. This is not too bad, but in surf and big water it ends up like this.
Which is not the best position to have it, dangling around. It is quite OK for swimming and cowboy-rescue though - that it is out of the way.
I have tried having the system at my waist - felt quite good, only I needed a quick release option of some kind. I like the simplicity of the split D-ring, only the one that came with the system was too weak for job. Had to find a stronger one.
Where do I find the D-ring..?? Any drybag has two or four of them. I already knew that the ones from Ortlieb are too soft, for this use.
Whereas the ones from Pacific Outdoor are much stiffer, though the dimensions are pretty much the same.
Having found, and replaced the D-ring on the belt with, one from the Pacific Outdoor drybag, the system now looks like this.
On the water it sits nicely under my buoyancy. The carabina is ready at hand, and the D-ring on the vest has no problem keeping it in place. Still got to test it, during a swim, and while doing a cowboy-rescue.
Close-up of the replaced D-ring on the belt.
In case it for some reason does not work to my satisfaction, I will replace the D-ring with a quick release buckle.
The D-ring on the vest is mounted with tie-bands. Not pretty - but who cares.
Thank you for listening - as you see, this seems to be a Never Ending Story :-)
That I have seen, and experienced (in surf, moving water, rock-gardens, gulleys, etc, etc...), the importance of a fast and simple system, I do my best to pinpoint the flaws, and fix them. This is the reason why my system looks like this - other people might have other preferences, and therefore their system will look different from mine.
This is how I have had the system for quite a while.
As you can see, I am not too happy about it :-) Besides I feel it hinders me, doing forward rolls.
The bag and carabina hangs in a split D-ring. This is not too bad, but in surf and big water it ends up like this.
Which is not the best position to have it, dangling around. It is quite OK for swimming and cowboy-rescue though - that it is out of the way.
I have tried having the system at my waist - felt quite good, only I needed a quick release option of some kind. I like the simplicity of the split D-ring, only the one that came with the system was too weak for job. Had to find a stronger one.
Where do I find the D-ring..?? Any drybag has two or four of them. I already knew that the ones from Ortlieb are too soft, for this use.
Whereas the ones from Pacific Outdoor are much stiffer, though the dimensions are pretty much the same.
Having found, and replaced the D-ring on the belt with, one from the Pacific Outdoor drybag, the system now looks like this.
On the water it sits nicely under my buoyancy. The carabina is ready at hand, and the D-ring on the vest has no problem keeping it in place. Still got to test it, during a swim, and while doing a cowboy-rescue.
Close-up of the replaced D-ring on the belt.
In case it for some reason does not work to my satisfaction, I will replace the D-ring with a quick release buckle.
The D-ring on the vest is mounted with tie-bands. Not pretty - but who cares.
Thank you for listening - as you see, this seems to be a Never Ending Story :-)
Electrical bilge pump - fittet into a Rockpool Alaw Back
A friend of mine has mounted this system into his boat. Have you any questions, please consult himself: Jørgen Jepsen. (remove SPAM)
Installation af el-pumpe i en Rockpool Alaw Bach
Installation af el-pumpe i en Rockpool Alaw Bach
Pumpen er en Rule 500, 12V (forhandles bl.a. af www.Marinelageret.dk) som er placeret lige bag sædet. Den er holdt fast med elastiksnor.
For ikke at bore for mange huller i skotvæggen har jeg limet et par
nylon/plastik kroge på væggen. Jeg har brugt ophængningskroge til
betonvægge (stålstifterne er fjernet :-). På modsatte side (inde i
daglugen) har jeg limet et par nylonøjer (dem der sidder på siden af
campingvognen til at holde stængerne til forteltet). Det var hvad jeg
lige havde ved hånden, andet kan sikkert bruges.
På siden af pumpen er monteret en Automatic Bilge Pump Switch (model 101) http://www.WaterWitchinc.com.
Holdt fast med kabelstrips. Hvordan el-ledningerne skal forbindes, fremgår af bagsiden af indpakningen.
Jeg har ført vandslangen (19 mm) gennem skotvæggen
via en Skroggennemføring med et hul der lige passer (når studsen er
savet af) til den udvendige diameter på slangen. Dette gør at, selvom
der bliver revet i slangen, så opstår der ikke utætheder som der ville
gøre hvis slangen blot var ført direkte gennem skotvæggen.
I stedet for en Skroggennemføring kunne man bruge en "Forskruning"
med den rette diameter (kan sikkert købes ved den lokale elinstallatør).
Til
afgangshullet er igen brugt en Skroggennemføring i plastik. Jeg har
brugt en 16 mm hvor studsen er savet af og noget af gevin-stykket er
slebet så slangen kan sættes på. Yderligere har jeg slebet den udvendige
krans så den udvendige diameter er ca. halveret. Der er stadig nok gods
at skrue den fast med og den ser lige knap så voldsom ud. Endelig har
jeg givet kransen lidt sort spraymaling. (Skroggennemføringerne der kun
fås i hvid, er købt i Biltema).
Til batterikasse har jeg (foreløbig) brugt en
plastbeholder med "vinger" og pakning (købt i Bilka). Den er vandtæt med
nok ikke så god som Pelicase. Jeg har foret kassen så batteriet ligger
fast og boret et hul til ledningerne.
Da jeg vil fjerne batteriet efter hver tur, har jeg monteret det
via et 12 voltstik (cigartænder). Tæt på +polen er monteret en 2,5A
sikring.
Batterikassen er også holdt fast med elastiksnor og de før omtalte øjer.
Batteri (og lader) er købt i www.Batteribyen.dk
| Yuasa NP2.3-12 - 12V - 2.3Ah (F187 4.8mm) | 3339 | 1 |
| CTEK MULTI XS-3600 lader til blybatterier 1,2 til 120 Ah - 12V | 1466 | 1 |
Real case scenario - use of towing system
På Dansk nedenfor.
Three knights rode due west, for a bit of sea kayak surfing. The weather was amazing for the season: sunny, hardly any wind and 14℃ = lovely.
We opted-out the area with breakwaters, south of Blåvand - it was too dull. Instead we drove to Vejers Strand. Now, that was a completely different ball-game.! Loads of the white stuff, one had to punch through, to get to the green area between the sandbanks. The forecast said 3-4,5 feet swell, with 7 sec period. This combination does give loads of water, that has to pass over the sandbanks, resulting in very few waves under 1,5m, many 2m - and a few at 3m, when a couple of waves joined their forces. Quite a lot more than I anticipated for the day... Anyone can handle 3m waves/swell, as long as they do not break, which they did - otherwise it is just up-hill and down-hill.
At one point I glanced backwards, seeing a kayak wobbling on the top of one of these breaking monsters. Just a glance, that I had my own business to attend to...
I think all reached their limits, and had a few fabulous surfs. Outside the sandbanks there were some 30m peak-peak. Quite different from the 5-8m we are used to.
We ended the event with a very educational Real Case Scenario:
We needed to get a cold (from swimming), tired and insecure (from cold) paddler back into his boat, and on-shore. The first part was done by towing him into the green area, between the sandbanks. An assistant gave him support - ups-a-daisy ;) So far so good.
Problem was we had to get him safe to shore, through the surf-zone. We were only three people and one tow-line. (luckily a Jeff Allen tow, more later).
We decided to place an anchor-man in the rear - and support on the casualty. This pair would take turns in pulling us through, while the anchor-man was supposed to maintain direction and low speed. It did not take long before the anchor-man came rushing past the float, breaking hard. Second time this happened he un-clipped the belt, to let the drogue do a better and safer job, while he rushed to shore, to help with the landing. This last part went real nice and smooth, thanks to the drogue.
Lesson Learned:
1) We were in deficit of towing systems. The ones below deck does not count. Had we had one more towing system, Jeff's throwbag could have been used solely as a drogue, while the 'free' paddler could have pulled the raft through the surf.
2) That the anchor-man overtook the raft twice, shows very clearly that 15m of line is not one bit too much, west of Skagen.!
3) Jeff Allen is absolutely right: A paddling anchor-man makes no sense above 4feet of surf. Better to drop the drogue, or use a swimmer.
Today I am very pleased that I have modified Jeff's system, so that it immediately could be used as a drogue. The early design I got, does normally need to fixed with a knot. With my modification it can just be dropped - and it worked. Jeff's design has changed later.
One thing I would have preferred was that the line had sunk - it came in the way all the time, paddles, around boats, catching skegs (not today though). I only need the bag/belt to float.
Looking forward to next time - much wiser. ;)
/////////////////////// DK \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\
Tre gæve gutter drog mod vest, for lidt havkajaksurf. Vejret var fantastisk: sol, ingen vind og 14℃ = dejligt.
Vi
fravalgte høfderne syd for Blåvand - det så sgu for tamt ud. Istedet
kørte vi om til Vejers Strand. Se det var en helt anden ball-game.! En
masse hvidt (skumfiduser) der skulle tonses igennem for at komme ud.
Derefter et grønt område mellem to revler. Udsigten 3-4,5fod swell, med 7sec frekvens.
Denne kombination giver meget store mængder vand i hver bølger, som
rejser sig over revlerne. Langt højere end jeg havde forventet.! Der var
ikke mange under 1,5m, mange på 2m - samt nogle enkelte, når de
slog sig sammen, på 3m - alt sammen brækkende bølger.! Enhver kan magte
3m bølger der ikke brækker - det er bare opad bakke og nedad bakke.
Bliver de til skumfiduser, er det noget helt andet.!
På et tidspunkt ser jeg mig tilbage, og ser en kajak sidde og vippe på
toppen af sådant et monster - "hold da op" tænkte jeg, men jeg havde jo
også mit at se til, horfor jeg vender fokus framad/indad/nedad igen.....
Alle fik "set løverne", men fik vist også et par fantastiske surf.!.
Bølger i indre Danske Farvande får en helt anden dimension. Udenfor
revlerne hvor de 'sande' bølger løb, var der vel 30m fra top til top.
Noget ganske andet end hvor vi her har 5-8meter.
Vi sluttede af med et yderst lærerigt Real case scenario:
Vi
skal have en kold/træt (af at svømme) roer op i hans båd og på land.
Det første blev klaret ved at trække ham ud i det grønne område mellem
revlerne, en støtte på - op med ham. Så langt så godt. Problemet var han
også skulle på land. Vi var kun tre mand og ét tov! (heldigvis et Jeff Allen tov, mere senere).
Vi beslutter at sætte en ankermand på bagud, med tovet - samt en støtte
på den kolde. Dette makkerpar skiftes til at trække flåden indad, med
ankermanden til at holde retning og til at holde farten nede. Ret
hurtigt kommer ankermanden surfende ukontrolleret forbi flåden,
trods 15m line.!! Da det sker anden gang kobler ankermanden sig af, og
lader tovet virke som drivanker - det går mere gavn end en ankermande
der ikke magter at være anker. Ankermanden spurter frem og på land, for
at tage imod flåden, der dog nu kommer ganske roligt og kontrolleret
fremad, hjulpet af drivankret.
Lesson learned:
1) Vi var i underskud af træktove. Bugserudstyr under dæk tæller ikke. Med at tov mere kunne Jeff's throwbag være lagt bagud som drivanker. Ankermand kunne så istedet have trukket flåden ind gennem surf-zone.
2) At ankermanden overhalede flåden to gange, viser med al tydelighed, at 15m line ikke er en skid for meget vest for skagen.
3) Jeff Allen har fuldstænig ret: En sejlende ankermand giver kun mening op til 4fod surf - en god meter. Derover er det bedre at droppe posen, eller hænge en god svømmer ud.
Jeg er idag glad for at jeg har modificeret Jeff's tov, således
at det umiddelbart kunne fungere som drivanker. Den tidlige model jeg
har, skal originalt bindes anderledes, for at fungere som drivanker. Med min modifikation, skal det bare droppes - og det virkede perfekt.!
Noget jeg havde foretrukket, var at linen ikke havde været en flydeline. Den kom kun i vejen for pagajer, rundt om både, ind i skeg (ikke idag dog). Jeg har det fint med at det kun er tasken/bæltet der flyder.
Noget jeg havde foretrukket, var at linen ikke havde været en flydeline. Den kom kun i vejen for pagajer, rundt om både, ind i skeg (ikke idag dog). Jeg har det fint med at det kun er tasken/bæltet der flyder.
Glæder mig til næste gang..!! :-)
Toggles
We all know Valley's toggle system with bungee and a hook. On a few occasions I have seen the hook catch the other boats lines, during a rescue. Obviously this is not very good - at all.! The hook has also slipped off, while I was pulling the boat on land, resulting in serious pain from the finger that got hit. Strangely it tends to hit the exact same spot more than once....
That there is quite a few issues regarding toggles and safety, it does matter how you alter/make these things. Gnarlydog has a couple of good points on this subject.
That there is quite a few issues regarding toggles and safety, it does matter how you alter/make these things. Gnarlydog has a couple of good points on this subject.
This is not at all my own idea - once more, stolen from Gnarlydog :-)
GPS, or not to GPS - that's the question
That I like the art of navigation, I get by without using a GPS for this purpose. I prefer using chart, compass and watch. Until now I have (almost) always been close enough in knowing my whereabouts and finding my way. On the other hand, I do like to see my track - either just for fun or to geotag some photos.
Vis Sydfynske Ø-hav 2010-07-08 --> 13 på et større kort
Android
Hence I do not want to use power consuming software, on my mobile. I use one of either: My tracks, Move! Bike Computer or GPS Logger. They have various ways to either share or send data, but My Tracks feature to make an export to Google Docs, does kind of appeal to me. Power consuming software like i.e Endomondo, just don't get a chance here.
Logger
i-gotU is an other option. Especially useful on multi-day trips, due to it's battery life (if set to longer log-intervals).
Vis Sydfynske Ø-hav 2010-07-08 --> 13 på et større kort
Garmin
On occations I have used a Forerunner - just another option. Here from a trip around Fanø.
This is the Roll - from Cackle TV, Justine Curgenven
Cheri Perry & Turner Wilson has made this DVD, with an approach to:
"...focus on the most useful rolls to you in real water conditions."
I ask no more.!
"...focus on the most useful rolls to you in real water conditions."
I ask no more.!
All too often I see people performing maybe 10-15 different rolls in poolconditions, whereas they are unable to roll in real conditions - this leaves me absolutely indifferent. Happy to see a DVD that shows you stuff that works, and the importance of it.
There is also a lot of focus on forward finishing rolls, rolls where you recover tucked forward - very good !
"Boat first, head last" - haven't we all seen the opposite a thousand times or more. Getting it right from the start, makes everything else so much easier.
Loads of brilliant keypoints. The shoots are taken from different directions, helping you to mirror, or see, just the detail you are missing.
This video actually made me want to play with this stuff. Who says an old dog can't learn new tricks.? Certainly hope I can.!!
There is also a lot of focus on forward finishing rolls, rolls where you recover tucked forward - very good !
"Boat first, head last" - haven't we all seen the opposite a thousand times or more. Getting it right from the start, makes everything else so much easier.
Loads of brilliant keypoints. The shoots are taken from different directions, helping you to mirror, or see, just the detail you are missing.
This video actually made me want to play with this stuff. Who says an old dog can't learn new tricks.? Certainly hope I can.!!
PS - no, I do not have any personal interest in this, other than I like to see people getting past their circus-roll, and closer to a bomb-proof roll.
How to store your spare split-paddle.
This has been an ongoing test and trial issue:
I have had balls on the bungees, to allow the paddle to slip under. These balls had to be redicoulus in size to let me push the shafts underneath - the blade was not a problem.
I have had plumbing-pipes attached to the bungees. Even the smallest (>2feet) surf forced the paddle AWOL.
I have had hose on the bungees, to make an open loop. This did not let me slide the shafts (easy enough) under the hose.
Went by one of GnarlyDog posts, to get some inspiration - and to exclude some solutions. The result was that I stuck to my plumbing, but fixed them much more sturdy. The reason I have them so long, is that I do not want to scratch the deck more than needed, sliding the shaft through the pipe, before I can get the blade under the bungees, and be course my splits aren't the same length...
My 'active' paddle slides nice and easy under the over-all bungee. The ball makes it even easier.
Well - this is how it looks at the moment. Next step will probably involve some epoxy and fibre-glass work...
I have had balls on the bungees, to allow the paddle to slip under. These balls had to be redicoulus in size to let me push the shafts underneath - the blade was not a problem.
I have had plumbing-pipes attached to the bungees. Even the smallest (>2feet) surf forced the paddle AWOL.
I have had hose on the bungees, to make an open loop. This did not let me slide the shafts (easy enough) under the hose.
Went by one of GnarlyDog posts, to get some inspiration - and to exclude some solutions. The result was that I stuck to my plumbing, but fixed them much more sturdy. The reason I have them so long, is that I do not want to scratch the deck more than needed, sliding the shaft through the pipe, before I can get the blade under the bungees, and be course my splits aren't the same length...
My 'active' paddle slides nice and easy under the over-all bungee. The ball makes it even easier.
Well - this is how it looks at the moment. Next step will probably involve some epoxy and fibre-glass work...
Like a virgin...
...yes, I am referring to myself.! It almost felt like that again, this being my first time on the water, since surgery in my right shoulder. :-)
Condition chosen can be seen on the picture.
Condition chosen can be seen on the picture.
Jeff Allen t(hr)owbag - alterations
As genius as this system is, there is always room for improvements. I think ;)
From left: I have changed the fix-point of the rope, from the bottom of the bag, to the D-ring in the opening. This way I do not have to rely on my flacky brain, to remember what to do, if I want to use the bag as a drogue.
Center: I made a different 'knot-system' on the carabin. The standard knots had no chance in hell to slip under the decklines, needed be.
Right: I need/like/prefer to have something very distinct to grab, when releasing.
The rope is fixed by sewing, under the heat-shrink-tube (what ever it's called in English. Someone?)
Later on I will mount a float of some kind, ca. 4m from the carabin.
I left the rope/knots in the very bottom of the bag, to maintain the standard attachment of the plastic carabin.
Other than the changes shown above, I have also shortened the belt, to be only 5'ish cm 'too long'. My changes are, for me, improvements. Other people may have other preferences. The important thing is that we all look at our gear, with a skeptical mind, and go out and use the shit - the only way to find out what works for you, and what does not.! This also gives, that I might change back, or change something else, later on - after more trial and use.
I am aware that I will have to keep an eye on wear and tear of the rope, having it directly on the steel.
I am not the only one to alter systems. Here is how Søren Brink alters his Palm tow-system.
Rolling practice...
...should be done in 'conditions'. Don't we all tend to practise in pool and flat water conditions.?
Therefore I am happy to say that I headed for the beach today - on this windy day - with a clear intention to do some rolling.
This did of course not keep me from playing in the waves, now I was there. :-)
I was on the water from 16 to 17. Waves may not be as high as they would have been at Gl Agernæs, but more predictable, than Gl Agernæs sometimes are.
Therefore I am happy to say that I headed for the beach today - on this windy day - with a clear intention to do some rolling.
I was on the water from 16 to 17. Waves may not be as high as they would have been at Gl Agernæs, but more predictable, than Gl Agernæs sometimes are.
Surf at Gl Agernæs
The weather forecast said it would be windy - it was.!
Jepsen, Katrina and I, were on the water roughly from 16 to 18:30 - so yes, there was a reason for the struggle we had to get 'out there'.
It wasn't the largest or best of waves we have had at Gl Agernæs, but still there was a few good surfs to run. The wind had changed some in direction over the afternoon, so the waves hadn't built up their best - a bit confused now and then. Intermediate to rough conditions, I'd say. Occasional 1 1/2 meter waves. I was even pushed over once.. 8-O
We practiced rolling and self-rescues in conditions given.
I remembered Simon's word about using low-brace instead of high-brace - some of the time... Tried to stay high, not locking the bow in the through, and no skeg.
More and more happy about my NordLow - it acts as supposed to. Though I could feel it was as light as can be... Little tender...
2010-12-28 - Aborg
Bondo getting ready for business.!
Bondo rolls
Jepsen rolls
Bondo straddles up on the rear deck
2010-12-19 - Kidholme
Jepsen, Katrina and I. Fænø Sund <--> Skærbæk. Beautiful calm, but cold, winterday. The lunch break took place in my groupshelter, made a world of a difference.! Water froze in drinkink bottles... A few rolls.
It was a cold day.!
One of the few times where the water froze in the bottle....
That the lunch-brake could take place in a group-shelter, made the world of a difference in comfort versus freezing your ass off..!!
Rescues - what can be done to speed things up ?
(we all know what the fastest optimal is: Reentry and roll - but if this is not an option for you, you may find these lines interesting)
Due to an upcoming cold-water course, it is highly relevant for me to fine-tune my standard deep-sea rescue. Having thoughts like Seakayaking Cornwall, that a casualty not necessary is a victim, I and Katrina, headed for the beach this sunny Wednesday, to test out some ideas about what oneself can do to minimize the time in the (cold) water. The result was quite impressive I think.!
Bail out of your 'vessel'.
Time spent, less than 45sec to get 80% of your body out of the water..!!
(by this time there is a fair chance that your buddy is ready to support your kayak)
In the roughest conditions you might want to stay at your bow, but anyway, always empty your boat and turn it upright. I know from experience that one can climb the rear-deck in quite rough conditions - the tricky part may be to get your bum into 'the pit'. But your safe position behind the cockpit is a fine dry place to wait for your buddy, stabilizing your kayak for the last bit: Get you into the seat, emptying (if needed), sprayskirt....
In more gentle conditions you might as well complete this ladder/cowboy rescue yourself, all the way, into the cockpit. Still, it may be handy with a buddy to stabilize during pumping, sprayskirt, etc...
From this it looks like 'we' should teach our student to be much more active under a 'swim' - right from day one. Being able to do as much as possible of the rescue yourself, only makes it all so much faster.
Few, but very important things, should be avoided, that it significant can slow down an actual rescue:
Three things, I believe, that are the swimmers responsibility to sort out, before the rescuer appears on the scene..!!
Due to an upcoming cold-water course, it is highly relevant for me to fine-tune my standard deep-sea rescue. Having thoughts like Seakayaking Cornwall, that a casualty not necessary is a victim, I and Katrina, headed for the beach this sunny Wednesday, to test out some ideas about what oneself can do to minimize the time in the (cold) water. The result was quite impressive I think.!
Bail out of your 'vessel'.
- Yell for you buddy.
- Make your way to the bow, by pulling the boat by its lines.
- Empty the boat.
- Make your way aft. Again, you do not swim, you pull the boat. Fast.!
- Straddle up on the rear deck, to a stable position behind the cockpit.
Time spent, less than 45sec to get 80% of your body out of the water..!!
(by this time there is a fair chance that your buddy is ready to support your kayak)
In the roughest conditions you might want to stay at your bow, but anyway, always empty your boat and turn it upright. I know from experience that one can climb the rear-deck in quite rough conditions - the tricky part may be to get your bum into 'the pit'. But your safe position behind the cockpit is a fine dry place to wait for your buddy, stabilizing your kayak for the last bit: Get you into the seat, emptying (if needed), sprayskirt....
In more gentle conditions you might as well complete this ladder/cowboy rescue yourself, all the way, into the cockpit. Still, it may be handy with a buddy to stabilize during pumping, sprayskirt, etc...
From this it looks like 'we' should teach our student to be much more active under a 'swim' - right from day one. Being able to do as much as possible of the rescue yourself, only makes it all so much faster.
Few, but very important things, should be avoided, that it significant can slow down an actual rescue:
- Rescuer gets the rear end of the boat
- Boat is still up side down
- (A lot of) water in the boat
Three things, I believe, that are the swimmers responsibility to sort out, before the rescuer appears on the scene..!!
Do not forget your equipment.
A pair of carabins that obviously was left unattended for too long.
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I hate young people..!!
This is of course not true, in fact they help me to stay 'sharp'. As recently, I and a pair of friend met up at Strib Fyr - with the intentions of having a good time.
This we had, a good time - current against wind gave the conditions we were looking for.
Then, when we were back on solid ground, one of them youngsters said: "We ought to practice self-rescues, and the like, in these conditions."
Annoyingly, she was absolutely right..!! Next time, promise......
This we had, a good time - current against wind gave the conditions we were looking for.
Then, when we were back on solid ground, one of them youngsters said: "We ought to practice self-rescues, and the like, in these conditions."
Annoyingly, she was absolutely right..!! Next time, promise......
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