Re: [Paddlewise] Rescuing a capsized canoeist

Paddlewisers,

I have to agree with Scott about some people making a rescue of a swimmer a 
lot more difficult than it should be.  I was kayak surfing at San Onofre 
State Beach last summer, and a Japanese tourist was swimming in a rip current 
and yelling for help in his strong accent.  As my buddy and I were paddling 
in, we saw and heard him.  My buddy thought he was joking, but as I paddled 
up to him, I saw he looked scared and tired. He grabbed a hold of my kayak 
and rested for a moment.  Then I told him to hold onto the rear grab loop.  
He did as I said and I towed him in.  It was no big deal at all.  I would 
have no hesitation about approaching a distressed swimmer in a kayak.  I 
would even feel morally obligated to help.  Of course, with my bracing 
skills, I also think it would be tough for a swimmer to accidentally tip me 
over.  Twice this spring I had a sea lion jump up and rest on the deck of my 
kayak in the water.  There is a picture of it at:  <A 
HREF="http://hometown.aol.com/pirateseakayaker/sbi.html">Santa Barbara Island
</A> or http://hometown.aol.com/pirateseakayaker/sbi.html

Duane
Southern California
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