Re: [Paddlewise] landing a victim through surf

A most interesting discussion with no easy answers!

A couple of thoughts:

I agree that ropes are not part of the answer in surf. No I havent tried
it, nor will I. Ever. No thank you!

I think that if the ColdOne can hang onto a boat's bow, it would be
possible to back him into shore. This wouldnt be the quickest solution, and
it would depend on the surf conditions. If there is a potential for
back-surfing, it wouldnt be a good idea. (I did my first reverse-pitchpole
in surf last week. I have visions of the victim being catapulted high into
the air, or impaled on the bow). But if there is potential for backsurfing
you are in really deep s#$%_at_ anyway no matter how you bring him/her in.
However if the surf is  such that back-surfing is not a problem, backing in
might give the paddler more control over broaching than coming in head
first. Especially if the paddler is not experienced in surf, as most
inexperienced paddlers are far more comfortable when facing the waves.

However...I have tried hanging onto a kayak end with waves breaking over
me, and it is extremely difficult. If a person is weakened by hypothermia,
or doesnt have good upper body strength to begin with, it probably wont
work. In fact, I dont even like hanging onto the cockpit in surf because
I'm afraid of ending up landward of the boat and having it come down on my
head (umm yess, I'm wearing a helmet of course...ummm yeah). I rarely exit
the boat anymore, but I am still wary of hanging onto it in any fashion in
dumping waves.  No easy answers.

Of course the absolute best answer is prevention. People should find a safe
place to practice in surf. I have often wanted to practice surf rescues,
but every time I get into the surf I always forget because I'm having too
much fun. ;-) But that is important too, as the skills learned in surf will
help prevent such an accident from occurring in the first place. Thanks to
this thread though, next year (I only surf when the temp is above 35-40 F.
;-) I will practice assisted surf-rescues as well. I'm not quite sure how
though-the scenario is a very dangerous one with the potential to create
more victims, even in practice.

Wayne


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