Re: [Paddlewise] All-In Rescues

I'd like to add another problem I see with the All-In-Rescue. Just how long
am I supposed to spend swimming into rough seas and high winds while towing
my kayak behind me to get into position before I can start hanging out in
the cold water waiting my turn at rescue. Everybody that can, should do a
self rescue ASAP and then go help the stragglers finish up. The only danger
I see in practicing it is that it may "block" the ideas of better rescues to
do in this situation. Anyone teaching it should point out the limitations
and suggest the better alternatives that exist for most if not all
situations where this rescue might be considered.  I'm afraid in the panic
and excitement of the real thing the thinking might go. Oh my god, were all
in the water at the same time so what rescue should we do. The catchy name
for this pool exercise just might be about all that comes to mind.

As long as I have it in front of me here is what I wrote Derek about the
All-In-Rescue after I had read one of his manuscripts back in the mid 80's:

I was rereading your book "Sea Canoeing"
(first edition) last week and wondered if the "All In Rescue" was
included in this new book.  If it is I wonder how this pool
exercise will work in the real world where everybody is in the
water 50 yards apart with a strong wind blowing.  The most
important thing to know would be how to get together to start the
rescue.

I had the same problem (of misleading the student as to the best course of
action by making a big deal about information that would not likely lead to
success in a situation but would more likely use up a most valuable
resource -- body heat -- in trying) with all the friction fire starting
methods included in the book (now "Expedition Kayaking"). I wrote to Derek
in the same eight page letter:

Fire by friction is beyond all but the most dedicated
practitioners.  If you can do it please teach me the tricks I
tried many times one summer and though I improved greatly I never
succeeded even with the best woods that were thoroughly dried.  To include
this is far worse than not mentioning it at all.  A hypothermic kayaker who
has just swum in from his kayak
that's been lost or is out of his reach would be far better off to find
himself some shelter or insulation quickly rather than waste
valuable heat trying to start a fire with the bow and drill
method because he read about it in your book.  Most people
can't start a fire with matches in a damp environment using
natural materials.  It would be far better to stress keeping
waterproofed matches and some dry tinder on your person at all
times when kayaking.  The need to practice lighting a fire with only a
match and materials you can find at the site should also be stressed.

Perhaps the most frustrating thing about all this was that even though
almost nothing in the book changed as the result of my letter, Derek
included my name in the acknowledgements so it appeared as though I endorsed
the book when I couldn't in good conscience do so. Oh God, its still there
in the 1999 edition! YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!

Matt Broze
http://www.marinerkayaks.com
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