Re: [Paddlewise] Memorial Weekend paddle adventures/rescue scenario

From: <Rcgibbert_at_aol.com>
Date: Thu, 2 Jun 2005 14:59:11 EDT
In a message dated 6/2/2005 11:33:16 AM Pacific Standard Time,  
mikedaly_at_magma.ca writes:

> I  do not like  connecting to a rescuer as they need to
> be more  mobile but it was all that could  be done at the time.

I've been  in that situation and I think that what you did was 
correct.  In my  case, I was the rescuer and the person towed.  The 
person towing felt  that it would be quicker and easier than messing 
about with towing a  somewhat disabled paddler (hypothermia).  

I think that towing an  accomplished paddler may often be better than 
towing a less capable one,  providing that the paddler being towed is 
providing immediate assistance  to the other paddler.  The 
accomplished paddler is more likely to be  able to handle a tough 
situation even if they are clipped in.  They  are comfortable using 
the other kayak as an outrigger and leaning onto it  for support.  
They aren't likely to be shy about banging things about  or pushing 
limits a tad.

That's a great point. I posted the scenario because the critical thinking  
skills and collective experience of others might reveal other reasoning  that 
could be useful. Post-incident reconstruction is useful to fine tune  decisions 
that will again need to be made in the future.


It  does bring to mind the idea that I think of occasionally - that 
the  paddler being towed should have a quick-release capability.  Not 
easy  if the tow is attached to the toggle or forward lifelines.
 
I noticed that *J* used a contact tow  to secure the kayak to  *K's* kayak. 
When we released on the green water I noticed *J* took several  seconds to 
unhook. *J* could not have released the carabiner under strain,  particularly if 
*K's* kayak somehow upset again. My contact tow is a 3 foot  length of 1 inch 
webbing with a quick release cam in the center for that  reason.



> daisy chaining the 35 foot line down to  15-20

nitpicking, but then, I'm an annoying terminology nit - chain  sinnet. 
A daisy chain is something else.
 
That's new to me. Hey Mike, you've been useful twice already!



> (CONTROVERSIAL STATEMENT  ALERT:) I was very glad I  did not have my GP
> as the concussive power of my  big blades were  exactly what I needed
> when I need them. The GP, in my hands, may   not have been enough.

Not controversial to me.  I use the GP  almost all the time, but 
readily admit that if I was in your position, I'd  want my Lendal.  
The GP is great for everything _except_ acceleration  and power.


Love those Nordkapp blades! Lots of oomph. I know there is someone,  
somewhere with a GP that could deliver the power needed in the situation, but it  
wouldn't have been me. Water depth was spotty, too. They might have left a  couple 
inches of western red cedar on the rocks. 
 
Rob G
***************************************************************************
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/
***************************************************************************
Received on Thu Jun 02 2005 - 11:59:34 PDT

This archive was generated by hypermail 2.4.0 : Thu Aug 21 2025 - 16:31:21 PDT