Surfski Knowledge Base

Dan Mayhew
Jan 7 2020 #25842

What do people think about putting together a “Safety Olympics”? We could score it like Kevin's Hot Five Race series. Events could include a number of remounts in 2 minutes, paddle x distance with 1/2 your paddle, paddle to a point to get radio instructions for next point, paddle to a buddy and tow them back, paddle with a buddy on your stern, etc. I am sure the group could come up with a number of event ideas. Maybe not too ambitious the first time. Make it a couple hours and fun.

I would volunteer to help on this if folks thought it had some merit.

Denise Weeks
Jan 7 #25843

Fun!

Dennis Mowry

Jan 7 #25845

We could still do it this winter while there's rough conditions.
:D'

Kimberly Reeves

Jan 8 #25849

That’s a great idea… :)

Ryan P.
Jan 8 #25850

I'm in

Dan Mayhew
Jan 9 #25858

There seems to be at least some interest. If you have anymore thoughts on this, pro or con, put them down here, or let me know at the film festival. See you there!

Larry Bussinger
Jan 9 #25862

I’m a whimp! Could we do it in warmer weather?

Larry Bussinger

Dan Mayhew

Jan 9 #25867

Larry, I think that is a good idea.

Az
Jan 9 #25868

I like safety training in warm weather, but cold weather seems more likely for emergency situations. So let’s do both.

I can help plan/organize. Love the idea of including radio activity, I’ve got zero real life experience there.

I have rolled the kayak in bad weather early in my career. The previous summer’s practice exiting the kayak in Lake Padden kicked in & I immediately pulled my skirt off and came to the surface. But the water was cold (as was the air) & the waves were high. I went into shock and lost my physical strength soon after. It had begun as a short day trip, but concluded in an unplanned overnight stay. It’s those moments that make you realize how important prep & equipment are.

Glad we are all looking out for each other!

~Amber

Dan Mayhew
Jan 11 #25881

Amber,

You highlighted the biggest challenge of safety training. How do you prepare yourself to react properly in extreme conditions without the risk of being in those conditions? The answer by most programs is practicing the techniques until they become routine so you may repeat them under stress. For us practicing remounts or other safety procedures in flat water is very different than executing them in big water. The only approach I see is to know your skills and to challenge yourself in progressively difficult situations. That is way more ambitious than I am thinking.

Cold water and weather is an extreme condition. At least for the first attempt at an event like this, I would prefer to have it warm and safe as possible. If the event exposes paddlers to doing/improving some safety techniques while having fun in a quasi-competitive event I would call it a success. Would you agree? Let's connect and see what we can come up with. If anyone else would like to help let us know.

Thanks Amber!