As a "victim" of entrapment several years ago at a practice rescue paddle, I offer several observations: 1.)There are several ways to get trapped while trying a wet exit. I was entrapped by a too tight sprayskirt AND my legs wedged against the thigh braces on the deck of the boat while upside down. This was an unfamiliar boat that I was trying to roll in the open ocean without trying a wet exit in the shallows first. Very dumb of me. Taking off the sprayskirt would only solve half my problems. 2.)What may seem like panic from the "victim" may actually be a signal for assistance. A fellow paddler tried to assist me with a bow rescue but thought I actually pushed there boat away so I could do a roll. After several minutes trying to do a proper roll, I changed my strategy to get air on the surface and do a wet exit. I found myself wedged and realized that I would need a bow rescue. I tapped on my boat and waved my hands while 7-10 kayakers observed my plight. The fast action of Duane Stosaker saved me from an unsavory situation with a bow rescue. Upon surfacing, I was suprised by the number of onlookers. Several told me that they were confused about what I was doing. Others were convinced I paniced and presumably were keeping their distance. It was my perception, that I did not panic but the adrenaline rushed grasping for air upside down me appear more out of control than I actually was. The only communication possible was the waving of hands and splashing of water. 3.) The "Hand of God" rescue on a CONCIOUS person could be confusing and possibly dangerous. The victim cannot communicate and therefore would tend to grab at whatever was available. This could cause the rescuer to get into trouble. I think this would only be an effective technique on the unconcious. Since I claim no expertise in this method, I defer to more experienced paddlers on this on. 4.) Practice wet exits and bow rescues with your partner. Ultimately, these are more essential skills than rolling. They should be second nature. Stephen Nestel *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
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