Re: [Paddlewise] Bow Lift Rescue

In a message dated 3/24/01 8:49:24 AM, KiAyker_at_aol.com writes:

<<  Now in regard to the question of what the beginner is doing --- I would 
like to ask what in the #$% is a beginner doing paddling alone in conditions 
where a self rescue might be necessary in the first place! I teach beginners 
assisted rescues and I tell them that as a beginner they should be paddling 
with other people in fairly benign conditions.  >>

Scott sounds like a BCU convert <G>. I fundamentally agree with him BUT I 
believe that beginners get themselves into more trouble under most 
circumstance due to lack of self confidence/over confidence and lack of 
understanding of how their boats functions. 
    I am not a teacher but I go to the winter pool sessions with the intent 
of being there to help others learn or work on skills. I don't know how many 
people I have helped with the basics, like wet exits and rescues. Having new 
paddlers try a paddle float self rescue is something that really makes an 
impact, especially the first time they flip over IN THE POOL trying to get 
back in. It makes them "worry" about cold water to some extent. And that 
first self rescue evokes a smile close to the one from the first roll. It's 
like, "Yes!"
    I tell them all the same things; stay low, keep a hand on the paddle 
shaft at all times with weight on it, etc. I have had only a few who actually 
did what I told them and didn't flip over. Flipping gives me a chance to talk 
about why they don't paddle alone and how hard all of this is in a body of 
water with a current or any wind, and the idea of NOT going out in cold 
water. It also gives me a chance to talk about the need for decklines and 
being aware of the condition of all the parts of the boat.
    I believe the feeling that they can get back in the boat if they have to 
is important. I think those who haven't thought about it need to be made 
aware of the issue. A paddle float has so many uses but I try to impress of 
people it's basic function. And then I point out all the other things, like a 
reenter and roll with the paddle float on the paddle, that it can be used 
for. I even used mine the day the back of my seat broke and I had no support 
for paddling. It did a lovely job of getting me back to the put-in. I also 
carry 2 of them, just in case.
    I see most of these people once or twice at the pool. I have a very short 
shot at making safe paddling fun for them. I encourage them to come back or 
when the water is warm enough to join the weekly club paddles. But, the usual 
case is that, they will take their boats and paddle a few times with friends, 
then run out of people to paddle with and just go by themselves. I hope that 
the $25.00 investment might encourage buyers to actually learn to use the 
thing.
    The clincher I use with them is to show them that they can roll with it 
on their paddle. For lots of them, this changes their view of the lowly 
paddle float.

Joan Spinner
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