RE: [Paddlewise] landing a victim through surf

>
>   You don't need a fancy mask or fins if you have a strong stroke.  You
> will be through the surf in under two  minutes.  Anyway, no offense to
> Dan, but I would love to see a guy put on fins in really heavy surf.
>



Scott,
You get no arguement from me if you are already in a heavy surf line---there
would be no time to put fins on...However, in the thread I was replying to,
it sounded like the breaking surf was only a factor in the beach entry, and
the ocean outside the surf line was relatively easy to paddle and remain
stable in----some approaches are bad even though the overall ocean is
not---it this scenario, the fins,mask and snorkel could get some of the less
powerful swimmers through the surfline while carrying a limp buddy---no
issue for you, but to the less powerful swimmer, a potentially major feat.
And, mask fins and snorkel are a nice accessory for kayaks, as you never
know when you will see an extrememly cool reef or some marine life you would
like a closer look at.
Regards,
Dan

>   This is the key to getting through the surf: keep you eyes on the
> waves, NOT the shore.  I feel much more comfortable in heavy surf
> (swimming) than I do in white water for one reason.  Except in very
> confused, heavy August surf or storms, the sea is rhythmic.  I can
> actually "feel" when a wave is coming if I'm looking at the shore just
> by the amount of time that has passed.
>
>   When a big wave actually is hitting, there is only one thing to do:
> Turn the victim and yourself towards the wave, and dive deep underneath
> it.  Of course, it is polite to tell the victim about this before the
> wave hits!  I would just tell them (and this includes an 8 year old boy
> far off shore in confused, heavy seas) "take a deep breath, and go under
> water!".  Of course, I never let go of the victim the entire time.
>
>   Once the wave passes, you come up fast and swim like hell to get in
> before the next one hits.  I would often end up body surfing in the last
> part, with the victim holding onto the buoy.
>
>    In summary, in light surf, the victim can just hold onto the buoy,
> and I could tow him in.  When a big mama hits, you HAVE to dive deep and
> get under it. Trust me, I did this professionally for two summers, and
> probably made about 15 real rescues (not the j.v. pool types!). You
> don't need fancy gear, just a strong stroke and a sense for timing.  If
> you think you are going to be able to carry a victim through heavy surf
> on the back of your kayak, you are dreaming.  Your kayak would suddenly
> get alot lighter after a big wave hits!
>
>   Now a question for you all.  I have paddled through the surf when it
> is relatively light on numerous occasions.  However, I have a real fear
> of either going out, or coming in through big breakers.  Am I the only
> one with this fear?  My fear is that a wave will send me end over end,
> and my spine will snap like a twig.  Don't laugh, I met a 30 year old
> guy confined to a wheelchair for life for this very reasons.  Do you
> guys ever think about this problem?  A sit upon wouldn't bother me.  I
> can handle the surf, I just want to make sure I can fall off in a hurry!
>
>  - Scott Ives
>
> Dan Volker wrote:
> >
> > If you were faced with really terrible surf to enter, your best
> way in would be with a good mask, fins and snorkel.
>

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