RE: [Paddlewise] Group Paddling - A warning

Last summer on Day 1 of a week long trip along the Maine coast, one member
of the 4 person group became quite seasick half way to our island
destination.  As it turned out, the SickOne had patches but was not sure it
would be needed.  When the sickness hit, it hit hard and the SickOne became
totally uncommunicative. We were paddling close enough that we were quickly
able to stabilize the boat while this person emptied their stomach contents.
We hooked up a tow line and one person towed (we should have changed off but
didn't at the time) and two people paddled alongside the SickOne (there was
considerable woobling).  The side paddlers never had to pull in to stabilze
the SickOne fortunately as that would have slowed the progress considerably
but we could have in an instant if that was needed.  Luckily there was
another island between us and our intended destination where we were able to
stop and set up camp.  The next day a patch was applied first thing and the
group set off for a test paddle.  Success.  No more sickness problems.  But
we were lucky to have three to assist.  It could have been a real bad scene
with less.
Lesson learned.
Debbie Reeves
Sandy Hook, NJ
> ----------
> From: 	Robert Woodard[SMTP:woodardr_at_tidalwave.net]
> Sent: 	Monday, April 05, 1999 8:53 PM
> To: 	paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net
> Subject: 	RE: [Paddlewise] Group Paddling - A warning
> 
> > I would propose that people's lives are on the line, and are a better
> > motivation than money. I will agree that different conditions will
> > present themselves on the water than will present themselves in other
> > situations. This only calls for a different set of solutions, and not
> > the abandonment of managerial and leadership skills.
> 
> In an attempt to take a lighter tact, I'd like to change the subject
> slightly. How do you prepare yourself for a catastrophic illness of a
> paddling mate on water? Is towing the primary option? I'm first aid and
> CPR
> qualified, but I doubt I could pull off CPR from a kayak. I carry flares
> and
> a cell phone (no vhf yet, but I did save Ralph D's review for the future)
> and tend to paddle in protected waters so I would be near shore.
> 
> Just wondering if anyone has had to deal with such a 'problem'. When we
> did
> the 'who we are' thread, the median age was around 47 I think, so it isn't
> too far of a stretch to prepare for such a possibility, is it?
> 
> Woody
> 
> 
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