>I'd like to hear about how others deal with the various problems we associate with group paddling, in the hopes of infusing more enjoyment and safety in them. Group Paddling 101. Case 1. A recent trip report that can be picked apart with no offense taken...live and learn. Early March 99, 50's air temp, water temp low 40's . Tidal river, no wind. launch from a site with warm showers available. An informal group of 3: a kayaking fellow 1 yrs experience who is a very strong paddler, but who has little background of safety issues; a longtime paddler who should know something; and an expert who knows alot and has all the skills. The expert is paddling a racing style canoe, the other 2 are in 18 ft touring kayaks. i'm the guy who should know something. this will be a fast paddle, no one is wearing any cold water protection. during the launch, i see that both kayakers are wearing PFD's, however the canoe guy doesn't his on.. i start to comment, but since he's still going between car and boat, i suppose that he will put it on because he always wears one. two miles up the river, the wake riding canoeist makes a bad move behind the novice and rolls the canoe. the boat floods with water and is about 100 ft downstream of the swimmer who is heading for shore...now we realize that he isn't wearing his PFD, nor is it in his boat. he finds a cypress tree stump about 400 ft from shore and stands on it so that he is only kneee deep in water. the canoe has no ropes attached. we aren't carrying any lines. the canoe is covered with 303 and thus very slippery. my attempt to hold on to it and drain water fails. during the next 4 or 5 minutes, we bring the boat to the fellow - who is able to get it set to re-enter. the two kayaks come along port side and brace as he gets into the boat... planning to head back, he tells us to continue the 10 mile loop. we protest. he insists. i give him a power bar, he has water. i ask and he replies that he has his car keys and warm clothes. since i did a swim like this a few years ago, i think that he will be warm while paddling and become very cold when he reaches shore, however the warm shower will take care of him. so, the group splits..... we continue, he heads back. ================== if you like, arm chair review that outing, and please include your thoughts as to *where do we next see him?* will i really attach my name to this? shamefully bliven *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
At 06:10 AM 4/2/99 -0500, Larry Bliven wrote: > >>I'd like to hear about how others deal with the various problems we >associate with group paddling, in the hopes of infusing more enjoyment and >safety in them. Howdy Larry et al! Well, since you asked . . . 1) I would have felt obliged to escort said wet paddler back to the put-in; if he screwed the pooch and went for a swim when dry and warm, what's gonna happen now that he is wet, cold, and potentially hypothermic. Paddling demi-god or not, everyone has an off day now and then. 'Sides, 2 miles isn't all that far, you could most likely still complete your planned loop. 2) I always always always carry a change of clothes and a jacket, even in warm weather. Ain't nothing more miserable than wet clothes IMHO. If Mr. Wetmann had something to change into, (or, for that matter, if any of you had gear close to the right size) you would have been back on your way in a few minutes, plus the inevitable goose-bumps, howling, and thrashing associated with this process are fairly entertaining . . . 3) I certainly don't always wear the ol' PFD. I stow it where I can get to it easily if needed, and have practised getting into it while in the water. However, if the conditions start to deteriorate it goes on PDQ. 4) Here's a plug for the new-age outerwear. The polar fleece pants and jacket I have retain very little wetness. After a swim you can peel 'em off, swing 'em around your head a time or two to dislodge most of the water, and put 'em right back on. A goretex jacket (and rainpants if it's really chilly) on top and you're good to go. In cool weather I wear them; in warmer weather they live at the bottom of my drybag. And finally, a contribution to the discussion in general. From years of riding enduro and other off-road motorbike adventures, I have found it advantageous to have the most experienced individual be the "sweep" rider. (er, paddler in this case) Then if the situation warrants it, he/she is in the best position to render encouragement and assistance. Also, how about having everyone carry one of those REALLY LOUD whistles to attract attention in time of need? Well, theres my $.02 (and then some, but words are cheap . . .)! ByeBye! S. *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
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