[Paddlewise] Kayakers helping others

I've been laboriously  turning over rocks, uncovering info about the
recent kayaker that died this past weekend. Talking to his friends today
was also somewhat dolorously difficult detective work for me. The report
the other day about the kayaker rescuing a swimmer has given me a
positive focus amidst the negativity of accident investigation work. I
just can't let go of that positive affirmation indicated through the
Kelowna lake incident that John posted. There must be some other good
stories out there about paddlers who have serendipitously come along to
aid some stricken soul. How about sharing some more positives? Please
feed Dougie.

Three of my own come to mind. I once helped hikers stuck on a rocky
ledge, high above the crashing surf on the West Coast trail. I was able
to maneuver into a surge channel, and announce to the downcast, hapless
hikers, when the tide would fall and whereabouts they could rejoin the
trail. Their early version goretex down coats and cotton sweat hooded
jackets were sodden, and the June weather still cool. I warmed them up,
even if only emotionally, and may have prevented a plunge to certain
death on the rain slickened cliffs.

Another incident happened on a shoulder season paddle, again along the
West Coast trail. Hikers had been stricken by contaminated stream water,
and were suffering terribly. They were all dentists from Alberta, and
one member required medical help from the "Beaver Fever" malady. I was
able to push hard and fast in my younger days even at the end of a long
day's paddle, and made it all the way to the trail head with a huge gale
on my tail, and summon help from the authorities.

Another time I found a sailboat aground on a reef near Boat Passage.
They were listing badly and the poor seamanship of the skipper was
apparent as the sails were left up such that the wind was preventing
dislodgment even more. I was able to get in close to the hull, and
advise through direct visual confirmation, clearance for the prop as we
worked hard to get her free from the fast moving tidal stream. I was
able to alter some of his thinking without abasing his captaincy, by
using a few psychological manipulations. Good boat handling skills and
moving water experience permitted me an ability to safely navigate near
the reefs, prop, and keel. this is not an ego booster comment, but is
meant to verify the resource potential skilled paddlers have to offer
out on the water to others.

Other small incidents have happened over the years too numerous too
mention including sending messages, lending food and water, etc --
though I have never towed a big boat  to keep it off some reefs (I think
Derek Hutchinson has, and Duane probably fantazises about doing
something like that :-) ). So, any other kayakers have stories of
helping other mariners or landlubbers in distress? Other than those who
have posted messages in the past about helping swimmers a few times, I
don't recall this subject coming up before John's post..

BC'in Ya
Doug Lloyd

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