Re: [Paddlewise] Bow rescue

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "A. Hurley" <ahurley_at_viewit.com>

> That said, I've been integrating team building ..........
>
> In coastal instructor courses it's fun to flip over unexpectedly and pound
> on the boat - people get sensitive to it and they more ready and alert.
> They know that if they don't get there on time they are in for a
> scenario! I think that is good training.
>
> Both groups end up watching their peers more carefully.
> Andree
  I started hanging around some WW kayakers two years ago when I was invited
to play kayak football in town.  At the time I could brace well but could
not roll well.  I found it interesting watching the WW kayakers react to
someone going over who needed assistance.  Lots of "Save him, save him!" and
things happening fast as multiple paddlers converged on the stricken.  The
sea kayakers in the crowd kind of lazed in their cockpits and took it all
in.
  We eventually caught the infectious spirit of these aggressive WW paddlers
and soon found ourselves staying alert, as Andree put it, and helping out
with overturned kayakers.  It is not uncommon during a game to have to do a
HOG rescue as skill levels are all over the place.  One player who suffered
a brain injury in a car accident and does everything like he has mild CP is
a frequent victim.  He is a 200 lb man and isn't too bad to yank upright.
But I think it is easier to yank up a WW boat than a sea kayak.
  I have tried to instill some of this spirit into our regular paddling club
but it just doesn't catch.  I have filled my lungs with air and dumped my
kayak in front of, next too and behind fellow club paddlers while out on the
lake and beaten my hull.  Only once was I rescued.  The rest of the time I
pulled the skirt and came up to be greeted with questions.  No action just
questions.

Jim et al
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