Re: [Paddlewise] Rescuing a swamped Old Town Loon (was Nearly Fatal)

Hi Jan..
   Hope you don't mind my posting this to the list instead of staying
back-channel.

The situation you describe is indeed difficult.  With no one else around,
I'd imagine that the best course would be as follows.

Right the boat without trying to empty it, since it will be impossible to
lift in this condition.  With one swimmer (the one who paddles in front)
holding on to one side of the boat to steady it, the rear-seat paddler
climbs up and into the boat in the usual way.  This might be a little easier
than usual, since the boat will be very low in the water.  Since you use the
word family, I'll assume we have a child here in addition to two paddlers.
Next, the child is helped aboard while the first paddler stabilizes from
outside and the second paddler stabilizes with the paddle and/or helps to
pull in the child.  A paddle float will be VERY handy here!  Next, the
rear-seat paddler stabilizes the boat using the paddle (with float,
hopefully) while the first paddler comes in.

If there is bailing equipment on board, now's the time to use it.  Take your
time, avoid getting exhausted.  You needn't bail the boat dry unless you all
feel fit enough to continue and conditions are good.  Otherwise, just bail
enough for stability and get yourselves to shore for a warm-up and rest.  If
there is no bailing equipment (don't make that mistake again), the boat will
be unstable, but you should be able to paddle it to shore with care.

    Bob

>Hi Bob,
>Thanks for sharing the information on the Cleopatra's Needle. I don't think
>I was clear about the kind of situation that I was looking for help with.
>The Cleopatra's Needle technique involves at least one other kayak. What
>about if this family is in the Old Town Loon and capsizes with out anyone
>else being around? This is the situation that has stumped me. How can
anyone
>rescue an Old Town Loon double when they are on their own.
>Jan
>
>    There is a technique I learned for rescuing swamped boats with
>    inadequate flotation (missing/lost flotation bags, blown bulkhead,
whatever).  The
>    people who taught it to me called it "Cleopatra's Needle."
>
>    Come alongside the swamped boat and SLOWLY pull it to a level position.
>    Even if it is fully swamped, it can be moved through the water slowly
>    although it is impossible to move quickly.  When the boat is elevated
to
>    the surface and level, begin to rotate it and lift just a little to
allow
>    water  to spill out of the cockpit.  As water spills out, the boat will
lighten
>    and you'll be able to lift and rotate more effectively.  Eventually,
you'll
>    get enough water out of the boat to provide essential stability.  If
the
>    boat is not too heavy intrinsically, then a T-rescue will empty most of
the rest
>   of  the water.
>
>        Bob V


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