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Safety Heads Up
dnjacobson79
09/28/19 #25516
It always feels like sometime in October/November a group pause and safety check might be good for our growing paddling community. We have a vibrant, diverse paddling group that continues to grow in numbers & group psych. Like any group that enjoys wind/gravity-driven pursuits, it is important that we use our community as a resource for both new and experienced paddlers & to also set certain safety standards that ensure we continue to have access to what we like to do.
Here are some peanut gallery thoughts on safety…
- Cold Water PNW isn't warm paddling for 6-7 months of the year. Therefore, plan accordingly. I have enjoyed reading some of the past conversations regarding surviving a prolonged swim. Essentially, during colder months, the survival curve dramatically decreases after 15 minutes. I hear about paddlers taking LONG swims in Hawaii, Fuji, Australia, etc - i.e. not cold water climates. Not realistic in our climate.
- Group Decision Making - or sometimes lack thereof…..Group psych is awesome when it's for something as fun and rewarding as surfing waves, but can also push/drag/lure people into positions that they are not prepared for. Sometimes referred to as the 'GoPro Effect, Team Red Bull in Training, Online Big Panty Club' etc. Being aware that this can easily happen allows newer and more experienced paddlers to model making good group decisions. Also, diplomatically telling someone to pause and assess their skills in current & changing conditions can make the difference between positive and subpar outcomes.
- Tone it down when it's cold…That simple. If you think you're up for loops or downwinds on the bay when it's blowing 20, first go and do slop loops (last stretch of Wednesday night race against the northern shore) when it's blowing 25-30+. It you can't handle being broadside, surfing funky angles, taking waves from both sides - probably going to struggle in similar cold water conditions when a 'plan B' comes along. Also, paddle more stable skis in cold weather, assess if your skills are really there, set good examples. Be prepared, don't plan on being able to have the assistance from organizations like the Coast Guard - especially if it puts emergency response crews in danger because we are out chasing waves.
For example, today I took a Swordfish-S out on a good downwinder with Tom, Ana, and Wilson. Mostly I wanted to see if I could hang with these three downwind monsters (OK Alan - true male ego - wanted to see I'd be in the same area code as Ana). Totally had an enjoyable paddle and was hooting all the way, definitely fun technical water, gave nothing away in the water by having added security by being very comfortable & able to loop back and regroup during the paddle. Been in bigger, gustier, more exposed conditions in faster & less stable boats - but not the time or place for cold downwind group runs. It's not the running of the bulls out there….
Just some quick thoughts that all outdoor-oriented communities need to consider. In whitewater kayaking, if paddlers that shouldn't be on a creek keep drowning - access to the creek gets harder. If backcountry skiers routinely make poor decisions and endanger others on the slope and put those that come after to attempt to rescue you in danger - access after becomes more limited. Conversely, when the public and associated safety organizations see the effects of good group and community safety sense, they tend to support people who are safely recreating.
Just some thoughts, have fun on the water - DJ
Michael Lee
09/29/19 #25521
Thanks. Good advice! We all get a bit complacent in our local waters.
