Re: [Paddlewise] kayaker presumed dead at MALIBU, Calif.

Matt,

I agree with your deeper analysis of the solo paddler in a double.

I rewrite my suggestions, adding your comments, in the following fashion:

1.- The stronger paddler can sit in the back for better control and to 
paddle synchronized with the weaker paddler.
2.- In rescues, the stronger paddler should climb in the back seat first 
and brace while the other guy climbs in the front seat. If the weaker 
paddler climbs first and doesn´t know how to brace they'll both end up in 
the water again when the second one is climbing.
3.- If there is only one paddler holding the kayak and the other is adrift, 
the lonely paddler must climb on the back seat ( or on the seat where 
rudder controls maybe) to have better control of the kayak and be able to 
go and recover his friend. If weather is bad it may be difficult to turn 
the boat, so it may be better to paddle backwards to reach the swimmer faster.
4.- If the rudder does not permit to paddle backwards it must be lifted.
5.- The rule of thumb: never let the kayak go, no matter what.
6.- It is imperative to have safety lines on Tandems. Sometimes the rounded 
shape of a plastic kayak edge makes it difficult to grab it in turbulent 
waters.

Best Regards,

Rafael
el cayuco cheif
www.mayanseas.com




At 07:57 p.m. 12/12/01 -0800, Matt Broze wrote:
>As part of five points ever double paddler should know Raphael wrote this
>one:
>
> > 3.- If there is only one paddler holding the kayak and the other is
>adrift,
> > the lonely paddler must climb on the back seat to have better control of
> > the kayak and be able to go and recover his friend. It is hard to control
>a
> > tandem from the front seat, specially in bad weather.
>
>I agree with the other 4 points but think this one needs to be modified some
>as I don't think it holds true in several cases, including the most likely
>"accidentally solo" one (such as the one that resulted in this thread).
>
>I suggest (for your modification and editing):
>
>3. If a paddler must paddle solo in a double kayak it is generally
>preferable to be in the cockpit that has the rudder controls (usually the
>stern). However, if the paddler must make headway into a strong wind (such
>as to retrieve the partner that your previously two-person kayak has blown
>away from) the paddler should immediately paddle whichever end of the kayak
>they are in directly back upwind towards the swimmer (rather than trying to
>turn the kayak around). If they were formerly in the same kayak, the swimmer
>will be upwind because the kayak will have blown down wind much faster than
>the swimmer can even swim while trying to catch the boat. Also the end of
>the kayak the now solo paddler is in will most likely be pointed into the
>wind because the lighter end of the now unbalanced tandem kayak will
>weathervane back. The odds are small that a solo paddler will be able to
>turn a tandem kayak around anyhow, and during the time wasted trying they
>will be blown much further away from the swimmer. Even if the swimmer can
>still be spotted in the waves at this increased distance, it will be far
>harder to get back to them over that now much greater distance. This means,
>if you are seated in the rear cockpit, immediately paddle backwards (lifting
>the rudder clear of the water if it can't be held from flopping over to one
>side). If you find yourself in the bow cockpit paddle forwards (rather than
>trying to switch cockpits to the rudder control position.
>
>Notes:
>The rudder will not help much for turning a long light bow up into a strong
>wind.
>If the rudder flops to one side while backing up into a wind, stop paddling
>but hold that flopped over rudder position until you begin drifting downwind
>. Once moving downwind again, straighten the rudder and lift it out of the
>water so it can no longer be forced over to one side.
>Practice paddling a kayak backwards at a fast speed. If the rudder can flop
>over nearly 90 degrees it can be used as a stern brake that may even help
>point the drifting kayak's stern into the wind more). Very few sea kayakers
>are good at going backwards (but most river kayakers are--"Is that a
>waterfall just ahead"). Tip for powerful back strokes: dig deep, and stroke
>hard, right next to the kayak. Push directly in line with your forearm and
>pull the upper hand back while using lots of torso rotation. Only reach out
>away from the side of the kayak if you must correct course (to turn to the
>opposite side of the stroke you are taking).
>
>Rather than "now solo paddler", above, maybe it should read: "recently
>divorced tandem paddler...
>...who got the boat" ;-)
>
>Matt Broze
>http://www.marinerkayaks.com
>
>
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