Re: [Paddlewise] Cretins and Sad Mutations...

John,
Wow!  That is quite a tour de force on re-entry techniques!  I really think
it should go in an FAQ or in the Paddlewise Topics page.  It is exactly the
kind of information I was looking for.  Another lister had replied off-line
with good information too, but you have really put together an excellent
description, especially helping to clear up the "paddle float" topic I've
been reading about (I don't have one myself yet).  Evidently, part of the
trick is to create an ad hoc outrigger with one's paddle and a piece of
flotation.  Cool.

I am relieved to learn that re-entry is such a well-known kayaking issue,
because until I capsized, it had never really occurred to me that it would
be so tricky.  (Why, you just climb right back into the boat, right?)  Now I
know, and I will make a point of mastering it (eventually).  I've learned
(through www.houstoncanoeclub.org) of a twice monthly pool practice night
not too far away, so I'll start there.

Muchos Thanks,
Texas Tommy



----- Original Message -----
From: "John Fereira" <jaf30_at_cornell.edu>
To: "Tom Meagher" <tmeagher_at_netropolis.net>; <PaddleWise_at_paddlewise.net>
Sent: Monday, August 21, 2000 12:21 PM
Subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Cretins and Sad Mutations...


> At 02:43 AM 8/19/00 -0500, Tom Meagher wrote:
> >Hi all,
>
> >Here's my question:  What is the best way to get back into a flooded
kayak
> >after capsizing?  (no skirt).
>
> Nobody really addressed this so far so I thought I'd take a stab at it.
> First, a couple of preface comments.  Getting back into a flooded kayak
> after a capsize is much easier if you're paddling with someone else.
There
> are several methods for reentry in deep water, all of which are easier
than
> a solo rescue.  Secondly,  both assisted rescues and solo rescues should
be
> practiced under controlled conditions, first in calm conditions, then in
> increasingly rougher waters.
>
> When you capsize, intentionally or not, the first thing to remember is to
> make sure to stay in contact with your boat, and your paddle at all times.
> In calm conditions, it's possible to retrieve one, than the other, but if
> there is a wind, strong tides, or currents, you can easily get separated
> from your boat and/or your paddle.  If you're a bit off shore you can
> quickly get into a dangerous situation, especially if the water is cold.
>
> The first thing you need to do is get your boat back upright while
emptying
> out as much water as possible.  If the water is very cold, forget about
> trying to empty the cockpit completely.  In this case, your priority is to
> get the boat upright and get back in as quickly as possible.  Because your
> boat (Dagger Seeker) had two bulkheads, it will limit the amount of water
> entering the cockpit.  The rear bulkhead should be located just behind the
> seat so the best way to empty it would be to get the bow elevated so that
> the water drains toward the rear bulkhead.  There are a few methods of
> doing so.
>
> Using the deck lines, make your way toward the stern.  Go all the way to
> the end and the push down on the stern with all your weight.  If you are
> heavy enough the bow will come up
> and the cockpit combing will come out.  Once the air lock is broken the
bow
> will continue to rise, draining water toward the rear bulkhead.  At that
> point, you can quickly rotate the boat
> back upright.  There were still be some water in the cockpit but the boat
> will be stable enough to try and climb back in.
>
> Another method involves going to the bow and trying to raise it enough to
> drain the boat.  Forget about trying this if you're not wearing your PFD.
> You'll just sink when trying to lift the bow.  Even scissor kicking I find
> this difficult to get the bow high enough to break the seal at the
cockpit.
>  A recently Sea Kayaker artcled described a technique for raising the bow,
> with the assistance of a paddlefloat for extra floatation.  Essentialy,
you
> attach the paddlefloat, inflate it, then put the paddleshaft under your
> arm, wrap a leg around the shaft, then push up on the bow, and rotate the
> boat once the water has drained.
>
> The third method, and the one which is easiest to get the boat upright is
> to right the boat while holding onto the cockpit.  Just reaching under the
> cockpit and flipping the boat over quickly will get the boat back over.
> Sometime going underneath the boat, breaking the seal on one side, rocking
> it back and forth and flipping it will get more water out.  Practice this
> just off shore (but deep enough that you can't touch bottom) to find a
> method that works best for you.
>
> Once the boat is upright you have several options.
>
> Someone mentioned the "cowboy" reentry.  Personally, I wouldn't rely on
> this technique for getting back in, in anything other than real calm
water.
>  If you've got a small cockpit it will be even more difficult.
> Essentially, you climb over the side of the boat near the stern, then pull
> a leg over and pull yourself forward until you can reach the cockpit.
Then
> it's a real balancing act to get your legs in the kayak, then sit down.
> It's not too difficult to get up to the cockpit as long as you keep your
> head low but getting your legs in and get seated is another story.
>
> The most common method for a solo reentry involves the use of a paddle
> float.  Paddlefloats come in two varieties.  The most common are dual
> chambered inflatable (usually yellow) "pouches".  You insert the paddle
> blade between the chambers, and with 3-4 puffs on each side can inflate
the
> float.  There is usually a piece of webbing with a snap that wraps around
> the paddle shaft to secure the float.  The other variety is a piece of
> closed cell foam inside a cloth holder with some kind of webbing or strap.
> The paddle blade is inserted into the webbing or straps.
>
> Depending on how your boat is outfitted you have a few options.  Some
boats
> will have web straps behind the cockpit an inch or so from the edge of the
> deck.  The blade without the float on it can be inserted through the web
> straps on one or both sides just behind the cockpit.  Sometimes the blade
> can just go under a deck line to hold it in place.  Otherwise (or even
> addition to) you need to hold the paddleshaft to the boat by wrapping your
> hand around both the paddle shaft and the inside of the cockpit rim.
>
> Assuming that you're facing the side of the boat next the cockpit, the
> paddle is up against the rear of the cockpit rim (between you and the
stern
> of the boat), and the paddle float in the water sort of behind you.  Grab
> the cockpit rim on the other side with one hand while the other holds the
> paddleshaft to the boat.  Now pull yourself up onto the boat.  As soon as
> you can get your weight onto the boat, hook the front of your ankle over
> the paddleshaft.   Keeping your head low (this is very important) turn
your
> body so that your head is facing the stern and you should be able to get
> the other knee in the cockpit.  Now, with the hand that is on the side of
> the paddle float, grab the paddle shaft and work it toward the paddlefloat
> and you can shift your weight toward that hand as you crawl a bit further
> onto the back deck and move your leg off of the paddle shaft and into the
> cockpit.  At this point, remember two things:  "keep your head low"and
> "keep your weight shifted toward the paddlefloat".  If you keep repeating
> these mantras it will go a lot easier.   Slowly twist your body around
> until your seated.  Keep your head low and always keep your weight toward
> the paddlefloat.  If you can,. always try to keep you eyes on the paddle
> float.  Often by the time it starts to lift off the water, it's too late,
> and you're going to capsize on to the other side, forming the infamous
> "yellow rainbow" with your paddle float.  Don't try to remove the paddle
> and float until you're securely seated and your spray skirt is attached.
>
> There is one other item that will make paddle float reentries a bit
easier.
>   Take a piece of rope about 15' long and tie it into a loop.  Run it
under
> the boat then put your paddle shaft through it on the other side. Then
> bring the rest of the rope to your side of the boat (from under it) and
> wrap it around the paddle shaft several times.  There will be a short loop
> of rope remaining hanging in the water that you can step into to help you
> climb on the boat.  The rope will also help hold the paddle in place if
you
> don't have good deck lines.  You can also use a rope in a similar manner
by
> wrapping it around the cockpit, then around the paddle shaft.
>
> There is also one other solo rescue technique that is called a reentry and
> roll, which can be done with or without a paddle float but they're most
> likely beyond your level of experience at this point.
>
>
>
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