Re: [Paddlewise] Entrapment-Eskimo Rescues

Hi

First, with respect to the HOG rescue. It can often be difficult to get a 
person uprighted, particuarly when there is a weight/stength differential between 
the rescurer and rescuee. But it is important to keep in mind that a prime 
objective is to get the "victim's" head above water so they can breath. 

Second, another option is to reach under the cockpit, find the grab loop and 
pull off the spray skirt thus permitting the entrapped paddler to exit the 
boat. If the person is unconscious then you will need to "pull" them out of the 
boat. I have done this in a white water situation when the person capsized and 
panicked doing a wet exit (leaning back rather than bending forward, kissing 
the deck, and doing a wet exit. 

Regardless of the venue, sea or whitewater the eskimo or bow rescue can be 
effective is the group attuned to watching and being patient. I paddle in both 
venues. In whitewater the eskimo rescue tends to be used more in training 
exercises when wet exiting, getting to the shore, emptying the boat and starting 
over is very time consuming. Doing actual river runs, people more to wet exit 
and swim to shore - with or without assistance - unless things just happen to 
work right for an eskimo rescue. You should remember that in most cases, the 
river bank is in within reasonable swimming distance.

I also tend to think the eskimo rescue is used more in training situations in 
sea conditions. Again, we the paddlers are aware and paddling close enough 
the eskimo rescue can work. I have done eskimo rescues in real conditions - 
actually I paddled backward and gave the person the stern of my boat for the 
rescue.

Someone mentioned the emphasis on being positioned in a T for the eskimo resc
ue. This is how it is initially taught. However I also teach people 
variations. In particular, coming in from a different angle rather than try to place 
yourself in the T position. This angle approach also provides more room for error 
as you can aim before the victim's hands and then slide down the hull till 
you bow (or stern) reaches their hands. 

I think I key point to take home from this discussion that both the HOG and 
eskimo/bow rescues are that these are two tools/techniques in your rescue kit. 
Of course practice is important.

best wishes for a peacefull and healthy new year

sid
***************************************************************************
PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed
here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire
responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author.
Submissions:     PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net
Subscriptions:   PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net
Website:         http://www.paddlewise.net/
***************************************************************************