[Paddlewise] Several subjects. Was Re: Double fatality

ralph (the original ralph) said:

<<< I was at the West Coast Sea Kayaking Symposium in 1993.  It struck
me as
a younger crowd than the one at the LL Bean one.>>> <snip>

I phoned the San Juan County Sheriff's Office at friday Harbor today.
They figure the kayak went over Thursday during the strong NW winds. The
first kayaker found (Steve) was clad in non-immersion apparel, with the
exception of wetsuit booties. He had a PFD on. Details were not
available on the second paddler's attire (Scott), other than a PFD was
close by and it "looked like it had slipped off." Maybe part of the risk
profile with younger paddlers (I can say that now) is the lack of funds
for proper thermal/immersion apparel and related equipment. I know,
'cause it was years before I bought my first proper wetsuit (though I
did rent a few times).

<<<.I hope you and others keep following this tragedy.>>>

I phoned Chris at SK Magazine, for follow up possibilities by SK. If
anyone had details subsequent to what is already known, perhaps you
could pass it on to him. I'm not following up further, as I have enough
Canadian deaths backed-up. I also learned today that Ray W Johanson (sp)
died in the arctic recently (he was the one who won the Arctic Kayak
Race). This is a very tragic event, and has hit some folks hard. He was
an unassuming, gentle man who has done some amazing trips and crossings
-- things most of us will never know about or appreciate. Damn the cold
ocean. Its no respecter of person.

<<<Normally I don't associate doubles with fatal accidents.  Reaching
into
the deepest corners of my brain, I recall only one such tragedy in a
double and it was in a Klepper which is so unusual>>> <snip>

We have had some here on the west coast too. I've just finished Part One
of an article on hypothermia for the CPA Newsletter, and I touch on the
"double-trouble" issue. Perhaps I can send it to PW in the near future,
after the issue comes out. Essentially, a pair of solo double paddlers
can easily rescue a their double, normally, but the conditions that
would cause a double to go over would require more time and skill to
effect a rescue, in the conditions likely to flip such vessel. Without
proper immersion apparel, in a weather tide situation, it would be
difficult indeed.

BTW, the reports said the double kayak of Scott's and Steve's had a few
scratches. Out local paper (the one that screwed up the Storm Island
story), reported that the kayak had been found splintered apart.
Reporters!

BC'in Ya
Doug Lloyd






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