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Limitations of Remount in Overall Safety
Dale McKinnon:
Perhaps some whatcompaddlers could make a gopro video to show how an assisted remount is done in 25knot winds and 3-foot chop? Would Brian or Reg be willing to edit?
fennmako
09/30/13 #14960
Great idea. The issue though that we are dealing with often goes beyond mere remounting skills. In one of the cases on Saturday for example, the paddler concerned would likely not, in my view, have been able to paddle to shore after a successful remount because he was not used to the conditions and would have to had paddled in a beam sea which had already knocked him off. So absolutely, remounting practice and assisted rescue practices are critical, but that's only part of the equation.
Bob Putnam
10/01/13 #14975
Good point. Even if you can get back on your boat you are still in the same st that kicked you out in the first place. Decision making, and knowing your limitations is crucial. At best I figure the average paddler have about 10 remount attempts in them and this deteriorates with colder temperatures. I know 2 guys who made 30 remount attempts in the Round Bowen Race on different years. But both guys were very fit, one was a windsurfing olympian, both eventually managed to get back on board and finish the race, but the average joe would be finished.
zach
10/02/13 #14999
It is a very good point that a remount simply puts you back in the same crap that tipped you out in the first place. If you are teaching beginners a remount, I would be sure to stress the option of paddling with the legs out once back in the boat. I was with a guy once on a 13 mile exposed downwind. He got about 3 miles in and realized it was too much for him. We got together and had a discussion. We suggested all beating upwind back to the car together. He wanted to try paddling with his legs out. He was very stable that way, so we went with it. He paddled 10 miles in big cold seas like that. Never tipped again and never got cold. He was working plenty hard. I think he averaged about 3.5 mph if I remember correctly. The rest of us would scoot ahead a quarter mile and then circle back. It was not fast or fun for him, but it worked. Could be a life saving technique if some one enters the dismal cycle of capsize and increasingly difficult remounts.
