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| - | ==== Surfskier death due to failed leg leash ==== | + | <<stories:sailboat_wake_surf_2011|Previous Story^stories:bellingham_stories|Story List ^ stories:wildcat_sidewinder_2011|Next Story>> |
| + | |||
| + | ===== Surfskier Death Due to Failed Leg Leash ===== | ||
| **zach** \\ | **zach** \\ | ||
| Line 8: | Line 10: | ||
| There are many things that need to change about our equipment. Our lives depend on a wrap of velcro around our leg. That is insanely stupid but we all do it. There is a paddler here in Minnesota that wears two leg leashes going to the same leg. That is not paranoid; that is smart. Most boats have no way to attach a tow line, and none of us carry tow lines. That means that if someone loses their boat, you might be able to paddle after it but you'll never be able to bring it back to them. I plan to do end pours on my v12 and drill holes to attach a tow rope. I am going to modify a sea kayak tow rope so that it will have an industrial strength suction cup on the end in place of the carabiner. That way I will be able to tow any boat, even if there is no tie down point on the bow. I never used to carry flares or a strobe light on me, but that will change. I used to keep my marine radio and cell phone on my boat rather than in my PFD. That has to change too. | There are many things that need to change about our equipment. Our lives depend on a wrap of velcro around our leg. That is insanely stupid but we all do it. There is a paddler here in Minnesota that wears two leg leashes going to the same leg. That is not paranoid; that is smart. Most boats have no way to attach a tow line, and none of us carry tow lines. That means that if someone loses their boat, you might be able to paddle after it but you'll never be able to bring it back to them. I plan to do end pours on my v12 and drill holes to attach a tow rope. I am going to modify a sea kayak tow rope so that it will have an industrial strength suction cup on the end in place of the carabiner. That way I will be able to tow any boat, even if there is no tie down point on the bow. I never used to carry flares or a strobe light on me, but that will change. I used to keep my marine radio and cell phone on my boat rather than in my PFD. That has to change too. | ||
| - | To appreciate the story I should explain to you lake Mille Lacs. It is a lake in central Minnesota that is essentially a circle 15 miles across. It is a surf skiers dream. A road goes around the lake, so whatever direction the wind is blowing there is a perfect 15 mile downwinder to do. On windy days 8 foot waves are common. | + | To appreciate the story I should explain to you [[:mille_lacs_lake|]]. It is a lake in central Minnesota that is essentially a circle 15 miles across. It is a surf skiers dream. A road goes around the lake, so whatever direction the wind is blowing there is a perfect 15 mile downwinder to do. On windy days 8 foot waves are common. |
| You should also know something about Todd Ellison. He was 50 years old, and as fit as any 50 year old can possibly be. He would rank among the top few marathon canoe racers in the Midwest, and one of the top handful in the entire nation. He was almost as impressive in an ICF sprint Kayak as he was in a canoe. He loved canoe racing, but he was addicted to the speed of a K1. | You should also know something about Todd Ellison. He was 50 years old, and as fit as any 50 year old can possibly be. He would rank among the top few marathon canoe racers in the Midwest, and one of the top handful in the entire nation. He was almost as impressive in an ICF sprint Kayak as he was in a canoe. He loved canoe racing, but he was addicted to the speed of a K1. | ||
| Line 82: | Line 84: | ||
| **Surfskier death due to failed leg leash.\\ | **Surfskier death due to failed leg leash.\\ | ||
| gabe newton** \\ | gabe newton** \\ | ||
| - | 10/09/11 #11499 | + | 10/09/11 #11499 |
| - | It is always hard to hear about the loss of another great individual in the community... and to learn yet another lesson at such great cost. My condolences to all. | + | It is always hard to hear about the loss of another great individual in the community… and to learn yet another lesson at such great cost. My condolences to all. |
| - | On the subject of boat recovery, I learned in Australia that Dawid Mocke has been known to recover a surfski and paddle it back to the stranded paddler by putting one leg in the empty boat (and I infer that he would use each foot to work the peddles of each ski.) This is of course not something that just anyone can do, or that is even possible in all conditions, (and it is by no means a method to replace a bomber leash or achieving the towability of a ski,) but a method to perhaps practice and have in mind if/when sh*t does hit the fan. I hope to learn more about this technique, and perhaps have Dawid or another veteran paddler do a clinic on surfski safety when they are in the region. | + | On the subject of boat recovery, I learned in Australia that Dawid Mocke has been known to recover a surfski and paddle it back to the stranded paddler by putting one leg in the empty boat (and I infer that he would use each foot to work the peddles of each ski.) This is of course not something that just anyone can do, or that is even possible in all conditions, (and it is by no means a method to replace a bomber leash or achieving the towability of a ski,) but a method to perhaps practice and have in mind if/when sh*t does hit the fan. I hope to learn more about this technique, and perhaps have Dawid or another veteran paddler do a clinic on surfski safety when they are in the region. |
| I also gather from this incident that it is of utmost importance to have your phone/VHF on your person, not on the boat, and that every paddler in the group should have one or the other. | I also gather from this incident that it is of utmost importance to have your phone/VHF on your person, not on the boat, and that every paddler in the group should have one or the other. | ||
| Line 94: | Line 96: | ||
| **zach** | **zach** | ||
| - | 10/10/11 #11500 | + | 10/10/11 #11500 |
| - | There is another lesson here. A body in the water does not move very fast, even in strong wind and waves. In 12 hours Todd had drifted only about a mile. Knowing that, I would advise to everyone that they know how to mark a location on their GPS. This probably takes only a few pushes of a button if you have the sequence memorized. If you do not have this memorized, and have not practiced doing so as a drill, you will not think to do it in an emergency, and will be unable to figure out how to do it in crashing waves. If we had had a GPS coordinate the search would have been much more targeted. | + | There is another lesson here. A body in the water does not move very fast, even in strong wind and waves. In 12 hours Todd had drifted only about a mile. Knowing that, I would advise to everyone that they know how to mark a location on their GPS. This probably takes only a few pushes of a button if you have the sequence memorized. If you do not have this memorized, and have not practiced doing so as a drill, you will not think to do it in an emergency, and will be unable to figure out how to do it in crashing waves. If we had had a GPS coordinate the search would have been much more targeted. |
| **zach** \\ | **zach** \\ | ||
| - | 10/10/11 #11501 | + | 10/10/11 #11501 |
| A picture of Todd doing what he loved: | A picture of Todd doing what he loved: | ||
| - | {{todd_ellison}} | + | {{:incidents_stories:todd_ellison.png}} |
| **Tim Overland** \\ | **Tim Overland** \\ | ||
| - | 10/10/11 #11503 | + | 10/10/11 #11503 |
| - | Very sad news. I hope to never have to read another account like that. | + | Very sad news. I hope to never have to read another account like that. |
| In SF, Dawid Mocke, always innovating, had his leash carabinered\\ | In SF, Dawid Mocke, always innovating, had his leash carabinered\\ | ||
| - | directly to his PFD. I have since converted to (copied) this system,\\ | + | directly to his PFD. I have since converted to (copied) this system,\\ |
| and not only is it a more reliable connection to the boat, but I find\\ | and not only is it a more reliable connection to the boat, but I find\\ | ||
| it easier to remount, as the pfd leash seems to tangle less getting\\ | it easier to remount, as the pfd leash seems to tangle less getting\\ | ||
| - | back in the boat than the leg leash. I think it's time to get rid of\\ | + | back in the boat than the leg leash. I think it's time to get rid of\\ |
| the velcro. | the velcro. | ||
| Tim | Tim | ||
| - | **Larry <lbussing@...>** \\ | + | **Larry <lbussing@…>** \\ |
| - | 10/10/11 #11504 | + | 10/10/11 #11504 |
| - | And the Radio or GPS need to be on. I turned my on a week ago to test everything and it took 15 minutes to acquire a signal good enough to get the position. Most GPS's and radios with a GPS will have a Man Overboard function that will store the location with a button held down. Learn how to do it and practice it so you remember that it there in an emergency. In an emergency, you will be operating on pre-planned responses and experiences. | + | And the Radio or GPS need to be on. I turned my on a week ago to test everything and it took 15 minutes to acquire a signal good enough to get the position. Most GPS's and radios with a GPS will have a Man Overboard function that will store the location with a button held down. Learn how to do it and practice it so you remember that it there in an emergency. In an emergency, you will be operating on pre-planned responses and experiences. |
| Larry B\\ | Larry B\\ | ||
| \\ | \\ | ||
| **Michael Gregory** \\ | **Michael Gregory** \\ | ||
| - | 10/10/11 #11506 | + | 10/10/11 #11506 |
| - | No doubt equipment; clothing, leash, signaling device, sound boat, and good judgement are are all necessary. However, each time a group goes out, they need to start off together. Everyone should know who is out there. Not just your "designated buddy", the whole damn group. Rendevous positions should be a routine part of our paddles, especially in winter.\\ | + | No doubt equipment; clothing, leash, signaling device, sound boat, and good judgement are are all necessary. However, each time a group goes out, they need to start off together. Everyone should know who is out there. Not just your "designated buddy", the whole damn group. Rendevous positions should be a routine part of our paddles, especially in winter.\\ |
| \\ | \\ | ||
| - | Frankly, I think we need to decease using the names of the guys lost on the water in our general communications. In such a setting using names is unecessary.\\ | + | Frankly, I think we need to decease using the names of the guys lost on the water in our general communications. In such a setting using names is unecessary.\\ |
| \\ | \\ | ||
| My deep condolences to the family and friends of the departed.\\ | My deep condolences to the family and friends of the departed.\\ | ||
| Line 137: | Line 139: | ||
| Mike | Mike | ||
| - | **Jeff Hegedus <jhegedus@...>** \\ | + | **Jeff Hegedus <jhegedus@…>** \\ |
| - | 10/10/11 #11507 | + | 10/10/11 #11507 |
| - | I've used a carabiner to pfd leash system for several years, and it works very well. Each leash end has two points of attachment to both the ski and the carabiner (marine grade stainless steel, which can be purchased with a quick release mechanism as used by sailors), in case the first point fails. The leash is 5/16" marine grade elastic shock cord, that has a safe working load of 350 lbs, which is about 20% of its tensile strength (dynamic load strength unknown, but it feels bomber). The carabiner attaches to the belt of the pfd. | + | I've used a carabiner to pfd leash system for several years, and it works very well. Each leash end has two points of attachment to both the ski and the carabiner (marine grade stainless steel, which can be purchased with a quick release mechanism as used by sailors), in case the first point fails. The leash is 5/16" marine grade elastic shock cord, that has a safe working load of 350 lbs, which is about 20% of its tensile strength (dynamic load strength unknown, but it feels bomber). The carabiner attaches to the belt of the pfd. |
| **Reivers Dustin** \\ | **Reivers Dustin** \\ | ||
| - | 10/10/11 #11508 | + | 10/10/11 #11508 |
| - | If we go with MG's suggestion then everyone needs to have nicknames (our callsign). So who assigns our handles? (ooh, let me do it! - moowhawhaawhaaa!!!) | + | If we go with MG's suggestion then everyone needs to have nicknames (our callsign). So who assigns our handles? (ooh, let me do it! - moowhawhaawhaaa!!!) |
| - | But seriously; Jeff, did you do the rear-deck attachment with the caribiner thing? Was it the 'dog-run' type like Kim's? I'm thinking this only works if you have a pretty clean rear deck. You can't put stuff on your rear bungies. | + | But seriously; Jeff, did you do the rear-deck attachment with the caribiner thing? Was it the 'dog-run' type like Kim's? I'm thinking this only works if you have a pretty clean rear deck. You can't put stuff on your rear bungies. |
| - | By the way, which surfski paddlers in the room think they can rescue somebody in big water? It's very tricky business. | + | By the way, which surfski paddlers in the room think they can rescue somebody in big water? It's very tricky business. |
| - | In all this we are remembering that each and every piece of equipment has to work. Dead right, or right dead. Leashed to a sinking boat is sad. Rudders, hatches, clothing, cables, paddles ... have to be bomber. If you have a good VHF, you have one exit door. Maybe a personal Epirb - but very slow. On the other hand: Flares, smoke, mirrors, dye, semaphore flags, whistles, operatic vocal cords ... not so good in the raging briney (fucking worthless). | + | In all this we are remembering that each and every piece of equipment has to work. Dead right, or right dead. Leashed to a sinking boat is sad. Rudders, hatches, clothing, cables, paddles … have to be bomber. If you have a good VHF, you have one exit door. Maybe a personal Epirb - but very slow. On the other hand: Flares, smoke, mirrors, dye, semaphore flags, whistles, operatic vocal cords … not so good in the raging briney (fucking worthless). |
| rd | rd | ||
| - | **Jeff Hegedus <jhegedus@...>** \\ | + | **Jeff Hegedus <jhegedus@…>** \\ |
| - | 10/10/11 #11509 | + | 10/10/11 #11509 |
| - | Thank you, Zach. We are sorry for your loss, and appreciate that you are sharing it with us. | + | Thank you, Zach. We are sorry for your loss, and appreciate that you are sharing it with us. |
| **dnjacobson79** \\ | **dnjacobson79** \\ | ||
| - | 10/10/11 #11510 | + | 10/10/11 #11510 |
| - | Very sad news about the death of the ski paddler, I think our friend JD at the Gorge has gone over how easily velcro can fail in the pre-wildside talk so that anyone who's done the race should have gotten the memo. Nomatter how bomber gear is (and I'm glad folks are thinking about safety in design), all gear can fail. Paddling ski is like all action sports which have an element of risk, and though I feel the risks are much lower than lots of outdoor action sports, they still exist. Having top safety gear and knowing how to use it is important, but good judgement and having the skills to handle changing conditions is the most important factor. Groups dynamics can be hard at times, and though it's always good to paddle with others in big conditions, I'm not sure it's good to depend on them for a water rescue - DJ\\ | + | Very sad news about the death of the ski paddler, I think our friend JD at the Gorge has gone over how easily velcro can fail in the pre-wildside talk so that anyone who's done the race should have gotten the memo. Nomatter how bomber gear is (and I'm glad folks are thinking about safety in design), all gear can fail. Paddling ski is like all action sports which have an element of risk, and though I feel the risks are much lower than lots of outdoor action sports, they still exist. Having top safety gear and knowing how to use it is important, but good judgement and having the skills to handle changing conditions is the most important factor. Groups dynamics can be hard at times, and though it's always good to paddle with others in big conditions, I'm not sure it's good to depend on them for a water rescue - DJ\\ |
| \\ | \\ | ||
| PS - I thing I remeber Kristen rescued someone on the back of her boat this summer in choppy conditions, and it was a struggle in the medium conditions they were in. | PS - I thing I remeber Kristen rescued someone on the back of her boat this summer in choppy conditions, and it was a struggle in the medium conditions they were in. | ||
| Line 169: | Line 171: | ||
| **Erik Borgnes** | **Erik Borgnes** | ||
| - | 10/10/11 #11511 | + | 10/10/11 #11511 |
| - | I really feel horrible about this incident as I've paddled with some of these guys and have seen and shared their enormous enthusiasm for this fringe warm water sport way up in the frozen north. We can't help but try to ponder the whys, and what-ifs, and the "that-coulda-been-me's" in attempt to hope to affect the outcome of a future event. | + | I really feel horrible about this incident as I've paddled with some of these guys and have seen and shared their enormous enthusiasm for this fringe warm water sport way up in the frozen north. We can't help but try to ponder the whys, and what-ifs, and the "that-coulda-been-me's" in attempt to hope to affect the outcome of a future event. |
| - | We all take chances with what we do, though the risks overall are minimal. As my buddy Alan said, we've got a clash of worlds going on when we go for near-minimalism combined with maximal weather. I'm oftentimes guilty of the this. | + | We all take chances with what we do, though the risks overall are minimal. As my buddy Alan said, we've got a clash of worlds going on when we go for near-minimalism combined with maximal weather. I'm oftentimes guilty of the this. |
| Big water doesn't necessarily mean big risk but it does necessitate big preparedness which includes acknowledging and planning for the most likely behaviors: | Big water doesn't necessarily mean big risk but it does necessitate big preparedness which includes acknowledging and planning for the most likely behaviors: | ||
| - | It's tough to predict what one will decide to do when in a serious situation like what happened. I could be wrong, but it seems to me that when there are two paddlers and one boat and one paddler leaves to go get help, the other paddler's chances of survival plummet both unexpectedly and quickly. While on land and yakking about it, this seems maybe intuitive. But, out on the water it ain't so. Why? What is likely happening is that survival instinct plays a huge role in decision making when one is in a potentially serious situation like this. Survival instinct isn't necessarily a bad thing either, because if it halves the number of victims then it's a good thing. | + | It's tough to predict what one will decide to do when in a serious situation like what happened. I could be wrong, but it seems to me that when there are two paddlers and one boat and one paddler leaves to go get help, the other paddler's chances of survival plummet both unexpectedly and quickly. While on land and yakking about it, this seems maybe intuitive. But, out on the water it ain't so. Why? What is likely happening is that survival instinct plays a huge role in decision making when one is in a potentially serious situation like this. Survival instinct isn't necessarily a bad thing either, because if it halves the number of victims then it's a good thing. |
| - | Think about what happens when the situation gets more and more futile, and as the rescuer gets colder and is cognizant of his deteriorating condition, and the situation starts to really become serious, the subconscious mind takes over and influences the rescuer to bugger out while he is still able to. If this is what occurs with most of us, and if we all know this beforehand, (that the subconscious survival instinct might take over), then we need to have a device or plan where the rescuer consciously and subconsciously chooses to stay with the guy in the water because doing so will increase his own odds of survival the most. | + | Think about what happens when the situation gets more and more futile, and as the rescuer gets colder and is cognizant of his deteriorating condition, and the situation starts to really become serious, the subconscious mind takes over and influences the rescuer to bugger out while he is still able to. If this is what occurs with most of us, and if we all know this beforehand, (that the subconscious survival instinct might take over), then we need to have a device or plan where the rescuer consciously and subconsciously chooses to stay with the guy in the water because doing so will increase his own odds of survival the most. |
| - | So, maybe that's how we need to frame this, i.e. what behavior is most likely to occur with all of us, and what solution stacks the odds in favor of the paddlers staying together? Reivers keeps throwing it out there - the vhf. It seems to come down to having the vhf with you and on your body. | + | So, maybe that's how we need to frame this, i.e. what behavior is most likely to occur with all of us, and what solution stacks the odds in favor of the paddlers staying together? Reivers keeps throwing it out there - the vhf. It seems to come down to having the vhf with you and on your body. |
| - | Pulling it all together - the vhf is the single piece of equipment that changes the scenario because it keeps both paddlers together. Consider this: Two paddlers, one boat, the situation is getting serious. They hail for help on the vhf, get acknowledged, and then wait . . . At this point, the paddlers have given info to the CG with approximate location, boat color, and number of paddlers. Once that info is tranmitted and acknowledged, then the rescuer, consciously and subconsciously, knows that his best chance of survival is to be where they told the CG they were. If the rescuer were to then leave that spot and take the ski for any reason, he would likely not be increasing his own chances of survival. The vhf changes the behavior once it's used. | + | Pulling it all together - the vhf is the single piece of equipment that changes the scenario because it keeps both paddlers together. Consider this: Two paddlers, one boat, the situation is getting serious. They hail for help on the vhf, get acknowledged, and then wait . . . At this point, the paddlers have given info to the CG with approximate location, boat color, and number of paddlers. Once that info is tranmitted and acknowledged, then the rescuer, consciously and subconsciously, knows that his best chance of survival is to be where they told the CG they were. If the rescuer were to then leave that spot and take the ski for any reason, he would likely not be increasing his own chances of survival. The vhf changes the behavior once it's used. |
| - | If you are paddling alone, then the other stuff like flares, etc might be good backups to the vhf, but in a group, it's vhf on the body, first, second and third. Minimalism includes the vhf. I need to start thinking about my vhf this way - and I need to practice using it. Pfd, leash, vhf. | + | If you are paddling alone, then the other stuff like flares, etc might be good backups to the vhf, but in a group, it's vhf on the body, first, second and third. Minimalism includes the vhf. I need to start thinking about my vhf this way - and I need to practice using it. Pfd, leash, vhf. |
| EB | EB | ||
| **zach** \\ | **zach** \\ | ||
| - | 10/11/11 #11512 | + | 10/11/11 #11512 |
| On the subject of VHF radios we clearly made a horrible mistake by not having a marine radio on everybody's PFD. | On the subject of VHF radios we clearly made a horrible mistake by not having a marine radio on everybody's PFD. | ||
| - | However I do not want people to come away from this discussion with an unrealistic expectation of what a marine band radio is capable of. The range of a 5W marine radio in ideal conditions is 5 miles. The signal travels line of sight and is blocked by objects. a swimmer in the water is holding the radio 6" above the waterline. The waves are much bigger than that. If the call is placed from the trough of a wave I doubt there is much effective range. In my personal experience it is hard to hear my radio (I bought the loudest model I could find) above the wind and the waves. As far as contacting someone other than your fellow paddler, that is dependent on having someone within the range of your device who has a vhf radio on at the time and is monitoring channel 16. That may work near busy ports, etc, but is less likely to work in rural areas, in the the off season, and on stormy days when there are no boats on the water. | + | However I do not want people to come away from this discussion with an unrealistic expectation of what a marine band radio is capable of. The range of a 5W marine radio in ideal conditions is 5 miles. The signal travels line of sight and is blocked by objects. a swimmer in the water is holding the radio 6" above the waterline. The waves are much bigger than that. If the call is placed from the trough of a wave I doubt there is much effective range. In my personal experience it is hard to hear my radio (I bought the loudest model I could find) above the wind and the waves. As far as contacting someone other than your fellow paddler, that is dependent on having someone within the range of your device who has a vhf radio on at the time and is monitoring channel 16. That may work near busy ports, etc, but is less likely to work in rural areas, in the the off season, and on stormy days when there are no boats on the water. |
| - | And please understand this is not me being defensive about the mistakes we made. I just think that we need to reassess all our assumptions about our safety equipment. | + | And please understand this is not me being defensive about the mistakes we made. I just think that we need to reassess all our assumptions about our safety equipment. |
| **zach** \\ | **zach** \\ | ||
| - | 10/11/11 #11513 | + | 10/11/11 #11513 |
| - | In many areas a cell signal is more likely to get to help than a VHF signal. This app is $0.99 | + | In many areas a cell signal is more likely to get to help than a VHF signal. This app is $0.99 |
| - | http://emergencybeaconapp.com/ | + | [[http://emergencybeaconapp.com/|http://emergencybeaconapp.com/]] |
| **Reivers Dustin** \\ | **Reivers Dustin** \\ | ||
| - | 10/11/11 #11514 | + | 10/11/11 #11514 |
| - | Zach, I come across a little strong on this topic - forgive me. | + | Zach, I come across a little strong on this topic - forgive me. |
| - | There is no other practical way to communicate with rescue authority. Some coastal areas have instituted a program called rescue 21. A portable VHF with Digital Select Calling and GPS will transmit distress code directly to an equipped Coast Guard facility automatically (one button = position fix alert). | + | There is no other practical way to communicate with rescue authority. Some coastal areas have instituted a program called rescue 21. A portable VHF with Digital Select Calling and GPS will transmit distress code directly to an equipped Coast Guard facility automatically (one button = position fix alert). |
| - | The intention of a VHF is to call rescue authority. If you don't have the fancy VHF, but live around major ports, they usually have buried array antanea that can detect low power signals. My mayday call from near Chuckanut Island was picked up first by Victoria BC well over 20 miles away. I have also been detected by Port Angeles C.G. The Bellingham (closest) CG station has rescue 21, but not the expensive antanea. | + | The intention of a VHF is to call rescue authority. If you don't have the fancy VHF, but live around major ports, they usually have buried array antanea that can detect low power signals. My mayday call from near Chuckanut Island was picked up first by Victoria BC well over 20 miles away. I have also been detected by Port Angeles C.G. The Bellingham (closest) CG station has rescue 21, but not the expensive antanea. |
| - | If you use a cell phone you'll be dealing with jurisdiction issues and lengthy response time. If you use personal Epirb it gets worse. In my opinion, considering the risks, the VHF is a no brainer. I suppose we could bring up the idea that having the VHF makes you more of a risk taker, or maybe there is a brian cancer problem. | + | If you use a cell phone you'll be dealing with jurisdiction issues and lengthy response time. If you use personal Epirb it gets worse. In my opinion, considering the risks, the VHF is a no brainer. I suppose we could bring up the idea that having the VHF makes you more of a risk taker, or maybe there is a brian cancer problem. |
| Having faced the choice of trying to rescue a friend with my tippy boat or leave them behind: I choose neither - I'll call a taxi. | Having faced the choice of trying to rescue a friend with my tippy boat or leave them behind: I choose neither - I'll call a taxi. | ||
| - | Hope this contributes to the discussion. I am so grateful that you are part of it Zach. | + | Hope this contributes to the discussion. I am so grateful that you are part of it Zach. |
| rd | rd | ||
| **Michael Gregory** \\ | **Michael Gregory** \\ | ||
| - | 10/11/11 #11515 | + | 10/11/11 #11515 |
| - | By all means, assess and reassess . . . As you all point out, ones plan must be multifaceted. VHF is only one part of a comprehensive paddling plan (cell phone might be a good option with it's better range):\\ | + | By all means, assess and reassess . . . As you all point out, ones plan must be multifaceted. VHF is only one part of a comprehensive paddling plan (cell phone might be a good option with it's better range):\\ |
| \\ | \\ | ||
| -Choose a more stable ski on big days and COLD water.\\ | -Choose a more stable ski on big days and COLD water.\\ | ||
| - | -Appropriate clothing. Neoprene is a very worthy option).\\ | + | -Appropriate clothing. Neoprene is a very worthy option).\\ |
| -PFD.\\ | -PFD.\\ | ||
| -Leash.\\ | -Leash.\\ | ||
| Line 238: | Line 240: | ||
| **seaugi.kayaking** \\ | **seaugi.kayaking** \\ | ||
| - | 10/11/11 #11516 | + | 10/11/11 #11516 |
| At the USSSC this past August in San Fran, Sean Rice forgot his leash one day and used one of the long boat tie downs. | At the USSSC this past August in San Fran, Sean Rice forgot his leash one day and used one of the long boat tie downs. | ||
| Line 248: | Line 250: | ||
| Any one else try that here ? | Any one else try that here ? | ||
| - | **oceanpaddlesports@...** \\ | + | **oceanpaddlesports@…** \\ |
| - | 10/11/11 #11517 | + | 10/11/11 #11517 |
| - | Just something small to add here..first my deepest sympathy to family and friends..all involved. I am so sorry. It's horrible to imagine such tragedy with our sport. | + | Just something small to add here..first my deepest sympathy to family and friends..all involved. I am so sorry. It's horrible to imagine such tragedy with our sport. |
| - | For what is worth and I am not an expert in this because where we paddle its warm and usually we are close enough to shore to swim in should something happen...but on cold big days out more than say 2 miles, as a group we do 5-7 minute pieces,letting the slower paddlers (me) go first by a minute or two. Then faster ones (Pat and Phillipe, Rich, etc) play catch up and when the piece is over, they circle back into the wind to regroup and on it goes. At least if something goes wrong, more than one other is there to assist.\\ | + | For what is worth and I am not an expert in this because where we paddle its warm and usually we are close enough to shore to swim in should something happen…but on cold big days out more than say 2 miles, as a group we do 5-7 minute pieces,letting the slower paddlers (me) go first by a minute or two. Then faster ones (Pat and Phillipe, Rich, etc) play catch up and when the piece is over, they circle back into the wind to regroup and on it goes. At least if something goes wrong, more than one other is there to assist.\\ |
| - | This doesn't work very well if the slower paddlers is having a super hard time and the rest of the group gets cold or can't circle back or whatever..had this happen too and we had to abort the paddle altogether,slam into the beach in huge surf and wait for a car to come and get...but as a group we had to decide this out there...could have gone bad either way.\\ | + | This doesn't work very well if the slower paddlers is having a super hard time and the rest of the group gets cold or can't circle back or whatever..had this happen too and we had to abort the paddle altogether,slam into the beach in huge surf and wait for a car to come and get…but as a group we had to decide this out there…could have gone bad either way.\\ |
| - | Not much to offer but since its being discussed... | + | Not much to offer but since its being discussed… |
| DeAnne | DeAnne | ||
| - | Michael Gregory | + | **Michael Gregory** |
| - | 10/11/11 #11518 | + | 10/11/11 #11518 |
| - | Wow! Sooo damn cool. Get the app and a water-proof transparent pouch for the celly! But, pretend you really don't have it. That way ya gotta cover all the other bases that keep a paddler safe out there. Mike.\\ | + | Wow! Sooo damn cool. Get the app and a water-proof transparent pouch for the celly! But, pretend you really don't have it. That way ya gotta cover all the other bases that keep a paddler safe out there. Mike.\\ |
| \\ | \\ | ||
| **Erik Borgnes** \\ | **Erik Borgnes** \\ | ||
| - | 10/11/11 #11519 | + | 10/11/11 #11519 |
| - | This is a great point, Zach, it all depends upon where the paddlers are. I'm in Washington so the vhf is the best here because we're surrounded by CG. Beforehand, I was on the Great Lakes where there was a lot of CG presence. I don't have enough experience on large inland lakes to know if monitoring ch 16 is a given. | + | This is a great point, Zach, it all depends upon where the paddlers are. I'm in Washington so the vhf is the best here because we're surrounded by CG. Beforehand, I was on the Great Lakes where there was a lot of CG presence. I don't have enough experience on large inland lakes to know if monitoring ch 16 is a given. |
| EB | EB | ||
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