Re: [Paddlewise] wet exits/entrapment

As being trapped in the boat is one of the greatest fears of
the student - maybe more so in tighter-fitting whitewater
boats than in sea kayaks, the student should practice wet
exit drills as much as is possible early in their paddling
training.  Having them do a wet exit once is not sufficient.
.

After introducing the topic of wet exits to a class, I like
to pose a question to the students: "How long can you hold
your breath?".  Whatever discussion ensues gets the students
thinking about their comfort level in and under water, and a
followup statement to the effect of "It takes less than 15
seconds for a wet exit." sets the tone for the wet exit
session.

After a discussion and demo, the student should all tip over
and exit the boat without a spray skirt.  (stress that
they _not_ come up for air until their feet are clear of the
cockpit rim.)  Even with the discussion, which may include a
request to tap on the bottom of the boat or to hang upside
down for 5 seconds before exiting, many students are out of
the boat seemingly before their heads get wet.  After they
realize how easy it really is on their own, the comfort
level goes up.

The next step is to introduce the spray skirt.  After
discussion, enlisting one of the gung-ho students or an
assistant to demo the with-sprayskirt wet exit lets the more
timid see the process while you describe it.  Timing how
long it takes your demo student to wet exit also reinforces
the concept that the wet exit is easy and quick.  After the
discussion and demo, *everyone* should do at least one wet
exit with a spray skirt.  Those that are comfortable
in/under the water will have fun with the drill, and those
that are afraid of water will find this a challenge.

After each of the students have done wet exits without and
with skirts, they should be reminded now and again to do
this visualization drill while in their boats and upright
*and with eyes closed* -  (with sprayskirt on) have them
find the cockpit rim near their waist, run their hands along
the cockpit rim to the grab loop, and then release the spray
skirt.  Repetition of this in-the-boat drill *after* the
in-the-water practice helps commit the sprayskirt release to
body memory.


Regards,
Erik Sprenne



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