Surfski Knowledge Base

duncanhowat
09/23/13 #14902

Nick, thats quite a afternoon. The wind up here was building fast and heavy when we headed to marine for a short run down to Brandons party, 11 of us, all good paddlers,lots of big water experience. Greg, DJ Don JD and others of lessor speed, but some pretty smart guys, well except for me .So while some were in the water ,we were still standing on shore when we got hit by a 50mph gust out of due east, steady wind was in the 30's for a while, I think someone said WHOAH, right then those of us on shore decided to do laps in front, waves were perhaps 5', kind of exciting. Well some kiters came out also, needless to say the CG had to be called to rescue the kiters, the ole VHF works great. As Peter said good to see some tax money at work when needed. Of course you never want to be in that place. You've sure come a long way in a year. Duncan

Reivers Dustin
09/23/13 #14903

BC brings up a great point. Especially for lower volume paddlers: a full bucket radically changes the game. For the Huki's Jude has a foam kit that blocks out cockpit space ahead of the footbraces. For a paddler with less leg-length this could be huge weight penalty. And in the rough stuff that's the worst thing: weight that isn't stable. You can't muscle onto the waves. So once you get eaten by a wave, then next waves keep you on their menu. If you stack this on top of the effect of loss of confidence you have the perfect vicious cycle.

I had never quite thought this through before. It just seemed like good housekeeping. But now I've done the gorge and rough times in US Champs and I'm thinking this could explain some of my good results - just having the lean cockpit space.

Maybe another little datapoint in this analysis is look at the big dogs that don't mind the rough. These guys can accellerate a cement truck over a wave. For myself with the spagetti arms, I'm toast if I can't muscle over right away.

interesting.

rd

gabe newton
09/24/13 #14905

The question I'm left with, is how do we get this valuable, vital information to new paddlers as they enter the scene? Instead of waiting for them to have their own “oh sh*t” moment, is there a web document that clearly and concisely lays out the safety protocol and gear, and a catalog of incidents that point to why the protocol and gear are so important? Maybe a little pamphlet to hand out? I'd be glad to help make this happen if it's not already available.

Gabe

Reivers Dustin
09/24/13 #14914

Gabe,

I've struggled with this. In fact it's a large part of why I created this group. Certain people are really tuned in.

Sometimes you just can't tell the person anything. I didn't just know, I had that harsh awakening that most of us had to go through. I was out with Dennis Mowry and LB many years ago and swam a dozen times over a three mile stretch. I remember focusing with all my will power to stay on top as we made our way back in. We used to meet at Tony's for coffe in those days. I got lost driving to Tony's Coffee. Basically I was brain dead hypothermic. During that paddle Dennis fell over in his Phantom and with tremendous athletisism climbed back in. We get old and wise because we were young and foolish. If we live.

I rant about radios and stuff, but it would be wrong to be judgemental because I spent lots of time in the idiot stage. If anyone trolls the message archives of this group you will find all these conversations going back many years. One time we did a fantastic rescue drill where we had to paddle out with a partner, then switch paddlers halfway out. It was called 'the shrinkage regatta“. Out of that I came away pretty nervous about the risks of performing surfski rescues. It worked great when the rescued party was calm and cooperative. But I could see trouble with the idea that we can rescue someone with these tippy boats.

I must say it is really satisfying to see that people are invested and serious about this topic. We've been through a fatality and it really really sucks. The Coast Guard told us that they might be forced to do things they didn't want if it became a pattern. Like pull people off the water or have rules that might disrupt our sport.

I would be happy to contribute to a brochure or handout that goes to what you are after. How can a new person know what the risks are? It has nothing to do with how smart or fit or how good your gear is.

As a group we've done really well at watching over each other. I sure like paddle-people.

rd

fennmako

09/25/13 #14915

Over the years I've found that no matter how many times we try to chat about this and get some sort of protocol together, everyone seems to check their brains and best-laid plans at the put-in. I don't know how many times I've waited for the last group members to launch by which time everyone else has disappeared; or I wait for a newer paddler to have everyone else disappear etc. I've got to the point that in heavier conditions, I just won't paddle with other paddlers unless I have a huge degree of trust in them and faith they will stay with me or check in from time to time.

Morris Arthur

09/25/13 #14916

… and that is why many of the “more experienced” paddlers often paddle alone.

Advice to paddlers that are new to “heavier” conditions:

Do not trust “the group”. It will not take care of you.
Instead, please consult directly (face-to-face/eye-to-eye) with an experienced paddler you respect. Ask for advice; listen; evaluate; make a plan; execute that plan.

Tom Swetish

09/26/13 #14920

Great post.

The group dynamic is a scary animal for sure. In my experience with almost any outdoor adventure, personal accountability is paramount. You share the experience with a partner or two, you help each other out wherever possible, but at the end of the day, you are prepared to save your own backside when things go sour.

As many of you have pointed out, the best bet when conditions start to push limits is a small group of similar ability, who have similar tolerance to risk and with whom you can communicate and ultimately trust. Easier said than done to find that group. It's certainly valid to paddle with better paddlers, but only if the better paddler will make decisions based on your ability, not theirs.

The good news is that nobody texts while paddling, so we're still safer out on the water than we are driving to the put-in.

-Tom

kathleen petereit
09/26/13 #14923

I think a pamphlet that could be given to a customer when they buy their new ski is a great idea. Info with linls to safety websites and also a list of contacts of surfskiers willing to teach the safety basics. I have done this many times here. I know Bob Putman does a great surfski clinic. Or a DVD to go with the new surfski. I would be happy to do this if I can find someone in a boat to video in 25 knot winds and 4 footers. I will ask our local CG if they can help me on this one.

At one of Dawid Mocke's clinics he taught me how to lay down stradling on your upside down ski and paddle it in with your hands. It's very stable. Like prone paddle boarders. This would be a good option if your paddle snaps in half. Maybe you should try this at your next shrinkage regatta.

Kathleen