Surfski Knowledge Base

(more details were provided in messages with web links in 2007 that are no longer valid)

Daryl Remmler <darylremmler@…>
10/07/07 #3531

Hello All,

For those who have not heard there was a terrible loss in the Howe Sound today. One paddler has perished, and one more is in critical condition. I don't know all the details, but the wind caught the group (experienced paddlers, in double touring boats), in the open. Eventually two of the doubles capsized, and conditions did not allow for re-entry.

Keep safe,

Daryl

loss to the sport
Reivers Dustin
10/09/07 #3537

In light of the recent trouble in BC, Larry B was pointing out what a
huge year last year was for all of us. We thrashed many boats and
several of us found our lives at the mercy of the sea. If there's a
bright side, it's the sharing and learning that has grown from the
pain. I'm grateful to those of you who put your pride aside and
share your findings here. Hat's off to SurfskiBC yahoo group for
doing their part across the border. If we can put everyone's
learnings into something easily passed along there might be fewer of
these losses.

For discussion LB suggested a short checklist for refinement:

1) Don't be overmatched by the conditions. -Thank you Morris for a
simple, direct “ceiling”: if it's blowing over 30mph, don't go.
2) Leash up.
3) Dress for survival.
4) Take a buddy.
5) Have a radio/cell.

We were thinking of trying to get the list down to four.

My little story about being the last to see two young men alive out
of Larrabee (years ago) and now this event is motivation to do
something, anything.

rd

Re: loss to the sport - lessons learned.
Larry Bussinger <lbussing@…>
10/09/07 #3538

For some background for the newer paddlers: Last winter, we tested
the envelope of what we should be doing with surfski's. With very,
very, good, strong, and intelligent paddlers in very high winds. In
the NW, it isn't wave height per se, it is wind speed thats the
limiting factor. The conclusions we came to are itemized below, but
they deserve some explaination to make a mental imprint. Therefore:
1. 30mph is when you can't paddle into the wind and gusts will rip
the paddle out of your hand. The wavelength of wind waves with short
fetch will be extremely steep, allowing the rudder to come out of the
water, you can't balance on the top of the wave, and when you come
down the face, the bow buries in the wave ahead. All will cause you
to broach. At 40 mph the wind will suck the water off the surface,
and it will rain up!
2. In high winds, your boat is a kite with lots of surface area. It
will be gone in an instant, and you aren't strong enough to hold it
with cold hands. Tie yourself to the boat with a strong tether. I
wouldn't trust that I could hang on to a paddle leash. Several
snapped monofiliment lines, bad/corroded clips, etc. were broken.
3. In storm conditions, you probably won't over heat. Use a PFD,
and at least wet suit bottoms. Even a dry suit.
4.,5. Self explainitory.
6. If you go over, enter from the up wind side or the boat will beat
the hell out of you and you still won't be able to stay on.
Larry Bussinger.

Re: loss to the sport - lessons learned.
Daryl Remmler <darylremmler@…>
10/09/07 #3539

Hi Larry,

Thanks for more detail on the safety points below. Reivers suggested finding a way to shorten the list, which probably isn't possible but here are my quick thoughts.

1. Dress for immersion. I wear a gore-tex drysuit, and I have never enjoyed cold water paddling so much. Much more comfortable than my neoprene pants, and paddling jacket, and significantly safer too. No, I don't overheat, as long as it's below 60 degrees air temp.

2. Communication. The ablility to communicate is critical. If you follow step one, then you have time to communicate your situation, and wait for help. Preferably submersible VHF (about $200 now I think), or at least a cell phone in a zip lock.

My feeling is, that if these two rules are followed it would have the greatest impact towards reducing the tragic events like the one a few days ago.

I really feel that knowing and respecting your limits should be at the top of the list, but on occasion it turns out that mother nature changes the game plan unexpectedly.