Duane said: <snip> >>It is unfortunate that so many sea kayakers don't know how fun it is to practice rescues.>> Now Duane, how da ya know paddlers aren't practicing their rescue skills in water? You are so typically shallow in your Southern Californian pretensions. <g> You're talking postmodern California kayakers, right? I mean, like while I admit that perhaps three quarters of the world's population lives as townies now, almost _ all_ of California's mass of humanoid droids live as city-dwellers and/or suburban-located sales boobs, with one absolute thing in common: they all have swimming pools. Yours is the land of bronze honeys and surf hunks who must endlessly caress their skin with minimum sun-screen values. Much of the day must be spent tapping digital equivalents for protein and carbohydrate food portions into handy pocket calculators, in order to stay in the "Zone"; automobiles must be constantly bathed with diminished water supplies, save for the environmentally sensitive who placate their guilt by using "Dry wash" chemicals on their huge Ford Excursions; businessmen must busy themselves with cinching the best real-estate deal, while leotard clad, languid-limbed sex kittens steadily flow single file into aerobic warehouses, where many hours must be spent by these polymorphous felines sitting on stationary-bikes listening to the New Age philosophizing from the latest self-help Guru. There is little time left for deep water rescue practice at sea by the inhabitants of sunny California. But, then comes the evening, the end of the day -- finally; dinner is done, the cedar shake roof has been doused with fire retardant, and a few moments are left in the dying embers of twilight. It may be hard to see, but if you look closely enough into the yards of your neighbors, there inside deepeningly Navy-blue pools, you may catch a glimpse of a paddler or two, having fun, actually practicing deep-end, shallow water rescues. 8-) :-) .-) :-) (PS Duane, loved your last trip report -- keep 'em coming in. Keep the wind at your back, bro!) BC'in Ya Doug Lloyd -- Who used to live in California (Lafayette, Contra Costa County) and who also does wish more paddlers would keep up their rescue skills. *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
"while leotard clad, languid-limbed sex kittens steadily flow single file into aerobic warehouses, " Apparently embracing the minimalist life does not include abandoning one's quiver of adjectives! Lovely descriptive concoction of how a few of we Eastern-folk also view the sunset brethren. I think I'll forward both posts to my ex-Hokie son who is considering a post-graduate jump to Santa Barbara. The rescue question struck home, however. After having hung upside down in a heavily chlorinated pool off-and-on for two hours last summer, the only oldtimer not giving up but still failing to get a roll, (hey! I was SO close!), I've been working on the brace thing, hearkening to Mariner Kayak's exhortations to hang my ear in the water. So along with practicing the rescues with #3 son, I'm gonna get a good brace. Anyone aware of good on-line descriptions or visuals? It's practice time. Thanks Scott Stephens *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Doug Loyd wrote: >Yours is the land of bronze honeys and surf hunks who must endlessly >caress their skin with minimum sun-screen values. Much of the day must >be spent tapping digital equivalents for protein and carbohydrate food >portions into handy pocket calculators, in order to stay in the "Zone"; >automobiles must be constantly bathed with diminished water supplies, >save for the environmentally sensitive who placate their guilt by using >"Dry wash" chemicals on their huge Ford Excursions; businessmen must >busy themselves with cinching the best real-estate deal, while leotard >clad, languid-limbed sex kittens steadily flow single file into aerobic >warehouses, where many hours must be spent by these polymorphous felines >sitting on stationary-bikes listening to the New Age philosophizing >from the latest self-help Guru. Doug I think you took one too many of those prescription pain-relievers today..... Joe *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
<Doug I think you took one too many of those prescription pain-relievers today.....> No, no - I liked it! Really. Adjectives don't kill people. People kill people. Bill Hansen Ithaca NY *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Joe Brzoza said: Doug Loyd wrote: >Yours is the land of bronze honeys and surf hunks who must endlessly >caress their skin with minimum sun-screen values.<snip> Doug I think you took one too many of those prescription pain-relievers today..... Joe Sorry Joe, wasn't the drugs, though I hardly remember posting my California concoction -- 'twas a late night post, hit send, wake up in the morning going, "What did I send last night?" kind of thing. I hope people don't take it literally or seriously. Though, I do wonder what it would be like to have a pool in one's yard, sufficiently big enough to practice rolling, sculling, etc. Duane did have a real point, and I think even experienced paddlers should keep their rescue skills honed. Every spring is a good time for myself. I will usually spend a full day at the lake doing paddlefloat rescues, reenter & roll rescues, Seaseat rescues, one armed rescues, etc. Once every other spring I will head out into a big gale on a safe lee shore beach, and practice R&R skills, PF reentry's, etc., out in rough, _cold_ water conditions. This is all solo, of course, which isn't necessarily recommended . I also practice paddling the kayak, fully swamped, skirt open, trying to negotiate my way back to shore in steep waves while operating the foot pump _and_ staying braced. People may raise their eyebrows at some of my antics posted to this list, but I usually have put in serious rescue practice time. I'm sure other seasoned paddlers do the same thing, to whatever level. One needs to practice in sufficiently rough enough conditions to have a chance of assisting themselves or others for similar conditions they might find themselves in one day. My experience and observations to date suggest most paddlers are a couple of notches below what they should be. ( Keep up the great work Duane). BC'in Ya Doug Lloyd (maintianing as drug-free a life as possible) *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
The East coast has the same situation Duane. I am always disapppointed at the "free rescue clinic" turnouts throughout the summer. While we can't force people to practice, it is certainly rewarding to assist someone who has had a "close call" and is now very enthusiastic to learn and practice in various conditions. At the end of a day trip, I suggest everyone work on skills and rescues but generally get the response that they don't want to "get wet" before they go home. Of course when I suggest rescue practice at the beginning of a paddle, they don't want to "get wet" at the start of the day. Trying to coax folks to practice at lunch brings the response that they're too hungry and need to eat or they're too full to move. So, mostly I practice by myself. Debbie Reeves Sandy Hook, NJ > ---------- > From: Strosaker_at_aol.com[SMTP:Strosaker_at_aol.com] > > During the last year and a half, I have hosted 4 rescue practice sessions > for > kayaking clubs I am involved in. The most recent one was today. With a > membership over 500 between these clubs, you'd think that there would be a > > lot people at these rescues practices. Well, there isn't! I have been > averaging about 7 people at each practice, and almost all of them have > been > my best paddling buddies. > > *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Doug Lloyd wrote: > Duane said: <snip> > >>It is unfortunate that so many sea kayakers don't know how fun it is > to > practice rescues.>> > > Now Duane, how da ya know paddlers aren't practicing their rescue skills > in water? You are so typically shallow in your Southern Californian > pretensions. <g> You're talking postmodern California kayakers, right? Man, we don't need no stinkin' rescue practice. Not since all us sunny Californians bought that glorious end-all-to-be-all Canadian rescue device, the Seawings sponsons.<g> Lest I be hoisted on my own petard, by Californians, Canadians, and whomever else, I'm just kidding. Really. Nor was I offended by Doug's humorous, late night, drug induced hallucinations of us SoCal kayakers. It goes with the territory and we are used to it, even though we don't fit into the prescribed mold, most of us. I can understand Duane's frustration at taking the time and effort to host a rescue group and have such a low turnout. I've been invited to several but I'm on a 24/7 call and can't make plans too far in advance; or I should say, I'd rather not make plans and then not be able to show. A rescue group session with Duane and his friends hosting is a wonderful opportunity to practice rescues "en group" which keeps the curious away from solo rescue practice when they think you are flowndering and drowning! Hang in there Duane and hope I can make it to a session or trip one of these days when my work allows it. -Nick *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
"...a wonderful opportunity to practice rescues "en group" which keeps the curious away from solo rescue practice when they think you are flowndering and drowning!" So, you've had this experience too? I have mistakenly practised a few rolls and rescues 300 m off a bayside beach here during a children's surf carnival. I didn't think I'd be noticed, but as I was righting the boat for a float rescue, 2 Zodiacs with outboards rushed out to me, full of surf lifesavers eager to give assistance. Should've found a more discreet place to practise. A local kayak seller and trip guide here takes trips with beginners, and has an inflatable with outboard following as security. Does this happen elsewhere? Seems to kill the quiet joy of paddling to me. PT. *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
PT writes: A local kayak seller and trip guide here takes trips with beginners, and has an inflatable with outboard following as security. Does this happen elsewhere? Seems to kill the quiet joy of paddling to me. YIKES!!! =:-o) I don't think we could get away with using an outboard for *anything*. Noise, water and air pollution are not worth the *safety* a sag wagon provides. A big part of what we do is show people the way to safe, sane kayaking. Steve Scherrer Alder Creek Kayak and Canoe 250 NE Tomahawk Isle Dr Portland, OR 97217 Phone: 503.285.0464 Fax: 503.285.0106 Web site: http://www.aldercreek.com Email: acks_at_teleport.com *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Steve writes: "I don't think we could get away with using an outboard for *anything*." Are you subject to any government regulation, or do you mean that the customers would not accept the use of a power boat? PT *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Peter asks: > Are you subject to any government regulation, or do you mean that the > customers would not accept the use of a power boat? > PT > customers. We can use a power boat if we want <sag wagon, no customer hauling> and it's fairly straightforward to pickup the license for a *6-pack* . It gives you the licence to *haul for hire* 6 people. But my customers are there for the paddling not the creature comforts and safety <?> a sag wagon would allow. Steve Scherrer Alder Creek Kayak and Canoe 250 NE Tomahawk Isle Dr Portland, OR 97217 Phone: 503.285.0464 Fax: 503.285.0106 Web site: http://www.aldercreek.com Email: acks_at_teleport.com *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
I'm with you Steve, I spent Saturday in Deception Pass with ten students and our backup was just the skill and courage of the instructors. Did I mention the instructors were all handsome and witty and brave as well as being skillful and courageous? And smart. Oh yeah and Humble, let's not forget humble. Power Boat? We don't need no stinkin' power boat! Seriously, like you I'm out there to teach self reliance as much as anything else, most people don't tour with a power boat back-up. Cheers, -- Rob Cookson 3 Hats Design INTERNET PRINT ILLUSTRATION 5201 15 Ave NW Suite 220 Seattle, WA 98107 206.851.8202 direct line 206.784.1641 main office phone 206.784.2231 main office fax mailto:rob_at_3hats.com http://www.3hats.com > -----Original Message----- > From: owner-paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net > [mailto:owner-paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net]On Behalf Of AlderCreek > Sent: Monday, May 22, 2000 7:17 PM > To: ptreby_at_ozemail.com.au; Paddlewise (E-mail) > Subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Not Enough Rescue Practice > > > PT writes: > A local kayak seller and trip guide here takes trips with > beginners, and has > an inflatable with outboard following as security. Does this happen > elsewhere? Seems to kill the quiet joy of paddling to me. > > YIKES!!! =:-o) > > I don't think we could get away with using an outboard for > *anything*. Noise, water and air pollution are not worth the > *safety* a sag wagon provides. A big part of what we do is show > people the way to safe, sane kayaking. > > ********* *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Peter Treby said: <snip> >>So, you've had this experience too? I have mistakenly practiced a few rolls and rescues 300 m off a bayside beach here during a children's surf carnival. I didn't think I'd be noticed, but as I was righting the boat for a float rescue, 2 Zodiacs with outboards rushed out to me, full of surf lifesavers eager to give assistance. Should've found a more discreet place to practise.>> <snip> This can be a real problem. A couple of weeks ago the CRCA was out here on the west coast initiating some ground breaking courses and assessments. One of the fellows, a long time water-wise board surfer, was out solo paddling his kayak along an exposed section of Vancouver Island's south coast, practicing for the intense course to come. He was playing in some heavy surf. He was maneuvering his kayaking sideways in the soup, then turning back out into the breaking surf, attempting to partially break out and then do it all over again. After some time passed, he fully broke out of the surf zone and paddled about to settle down some. Suddenly, a Coast Guard helicopter came buzzing around the headland, and hovered right over my friend, who kind waved hi. The pilot took a look, then headed off westward, further up the coast. The perplexed kayaker-surfer dude gave his head a shake, and continued paddling up the exposed coast in search of some rock gardens to play in. A few minutes later, a big "cigar boat" pulled alongside. (Not sure what kind of rescue boat it is; it is fiberglass, long, high bow, and very, very fast - the auxiliary run it out of Sooke, as it responds as far out as the West Coast trail, and is much more comfortable than the kidney pounding Zodiacs are). The rescue personnel told my friend there was a report of a kayaker, desperately attempting to land in the surf, but was continually taken back out to sea by the rip current, or something. My buddy said he felt a pang of guilt and embarrassment, but assured the men he was fine, and that he was simply practicing, adding that he had seen no one else in the area of the reported problem. Not convinced, the rescue boat sped away, the men desperate to find something to drag in. Needless to say, nothing was found. I've had a few experiences too with this type of thing. I phoned up some of these rescue agencies to see if something could be done, such as a warning call, but they said they could not take a chance by not responding, less someone in real need be denied. The "three amigos" involved in the Storm island rescue were out practicing stuff in a big blow prior to their trip. We did some fun stuff, played around, experimented with paddle floats for a SK article I was working on, and I did a few reentry and rolls with pump-out (solo). When we got back to shore, we saw the Aux CG Zodiac pacing back and forth, looking at us. I phoned them later to see what and if there was a problem, but they didn't want to talk to me about it. I try to do solo rescue stuff out of sight now. Besides, its more fun and more realistic! Anyway, generally, unless you are doing an all-in rescue, as long as a few boats are still upright, people are usually smart enough not to call the authorities. I have other stories, but shall cease now. Safe paddling to all, and to all, paddle safely. BC'in Ya Doug Lloyd *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
>Doug wrote; >I've had a few experiences too with this type of thing. I phoned up some >of these rescue agencies to see if something could be done, such as a >warning call, but they said they could not take a chance by not >responding, less someone in real need be denied. > After having been reported to the Coast Guard on two occasions that they responded to, we came to a understanding. Although even if in an area where people on land or water does not exist to report you there is always the possibility of a aircraft reporting you. A advantage I have in the southern Louisiana area that I paddle is there's not many kayakers around. Surly what I do may have complications in a area that is highly populated by kayakers which would make sense of the authorities comment in Doug's post stating "they could not take a chance" Whenever I am visible to either the land or water public performing MOB (man overboard maneuvers) I do the following; I call the C.G. via VHF informing them of my intentions and the EXACT duration of the maneuvers. The call is made as soon as I launch. My call name is given I inform them MOB maneuvers will be performed. After exact location is given I DO NOT deviate from the location reported to the Coast Guard. They are informed of the signaling devices on board. They are informed of the color of the kayak. It is understood that after the maneuvers are complete I will report back to them stating same. It is also understood that I will be monitoring channel 16. On one occasion I was able to call "off the dogs" after hearing over the VHF someone reporting me as being in distress. It has been all positive responses from the Coast Guard and they are always thankful when I inform them of the MOB maneuvers. Arthur Hebert praying for some rain in the New Orleans area *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
In a message dated 5/22/00 3:59:34 AM, Strosaker_at_aol.com writes: << It is unfortunate that so many sea kayakers don't know how fun it is to practice rescues. >> Maybe we need to organize rescue races, where the paddle can only be used for reentry but not propulsion, and the only time forward progress is allowed is while pushing down on the stern to empty the boat during the T rescue event. You're right, it's a shame we don't practice more often but it's so much d*mn work compared to a roll. Jed (off to practice as the victim in assisted and self rescues now that the new drysuit has arrived. Shame that the water is so warm now......) *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
I recall at least one WW group that used to stage (and may still) an annual White Water Rescue Rodeo. They drew teams from at least a few different states in the southeastern US. Steve Cramer, do you recall these guys, I think they they were somewhere down in your neck of the woods (maybe in the Carolinas)? I was invited once, but unfortunately couldn't attend. IIRC the rodeo was comprised of several different rescue scenarios designed to test a wide range of rescue skills - ranging from gear/boat/swimmer rescue to an entrapment to first aid for serious trauma. Competition seemed to be intense, but at the same time very good-natured. Maybe this is an idea some of you folks belonging to clubs could work with and expand for your own purposes. Dave Seng Juneau, Alaska > -----Original Message----- > From: LedJube_at_aol.com [mailto:LedJube_at_aol.com] > Sent: Wednesday, May 24, 2000 8:46 AM > To: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net > Subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Not Enough Rescue Practice > > > In a message dated 5/22/00 3:59:34 AM, Strosaker_at_aol.com writes: > > << It is unfortunate that so many sea kayakers don't know how > fun it is to > practice rescues. >> > > Maybe we need to organize rescue races, where the paddle can > only be used for > reentry but not propulsion, and the only time forward > progress is allowed is > while pushing down on the stern to empty the boat during the > T rescue event. > You're right, it's a shame we don't practice more often but > it's so much d*mn > work compared to a roll. > > Jed (off to practice as the victim in assisted and self > rescues now that the > new drysuit has arrived. Shame that the water is so warm now......) *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
"Seng, Dave" wrote: > > I recall at least one WW group that used to stage (and may still) an > annual White Water Rescue Rodeo. They drew teams from at least a few > different states in the southeastern US. Steve Cramer, do you recall these > guys, I think they they were somewhere down in your neck of the woods (maybe > in the Carolinas)? I was invited once, but unfortunately couldn't attend. > IIRC the rodeo was comprised of several different rescue scenarios designed > to test a wide range of rescue skills - ranging from gear/boat/swimmer > rescue to an entrapment to first aid for serious trauma. Competition seemed > to be intense, but at the same time very good-natured. Maybe this is an > idea some of you folks belonging to clubs could work with and expand for > your own purposes. You are thinking of the Western Carolina Paddlers Rescue Rodeo, held annually the first weekend of June at the Nantahala Outdoor Center. In the past, this was organized by Chris Bell. I haven't heard an announcement for this year, though. I only competed one year, and our team finished next to last :( Of course, there were only two teams. :) The team was organized out of rec.boats.paddle by Jim Dowdy, from Huntsville, AL. His idea was: Who typically performs rescues? The first 5 guys on the scene, using whatever they've got in their boats. So we all showed up, never having laid eyes on each other, and went for it. Team members from AL, FL, GA, NC, paddling WWK-1, IK, and WWOC-1. IIRC, the events were throwrope toss, first aid, self rescue, gear recovery (aka paddler's yard sale), and a surprise rescue scenario, which that year involved a person found floating face down after a lightning strike. The scenario was scored by Slim Ray, who literally wrote the book on WW safety. The reason we did well is that, unbeknownst to anyone until we got there, one team member was an EMT. I really like paddling with EMTs. An excellent event. If anyone is interested in how to do it, I think Chris has a handout. I'm reluctant to post his address without his permission, so if anyone is really interested, email me and I'll put you in touch. Steve *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
This archive was generated by hypermail 2.4.0 : Thu Aug 21 2025 - 16:33:14 PDT