Re: [Paddlewise] Unofficial account of Andrew's accident

Matt said (snip):
> floating however had it been occupied it would have certainly been 
> sinking.
> Andrew may have had to get into the water to stop his kayak from filling
> further while trying to make repairs or correct the situation somehow and
> call for help. It also seems likely to me from the distress call 
> description
> that he may have lost touch with his kayak and then been unable to swim as
> fast as it was blowing away. That is not an uncommon experience for those
> who end up in the water in a strong wind.

I prefer a quick release tether for long crossings. If one needs to be in 
and out of the water purposely for some reason removing gear, making repairs 
or getting on a wetsuit or whatever, you need to work out a redundant 
attachment system if the main belt is off, maybe a point of contact 
temporarily for the free limb. Usually, an adequately and well tested paddle 
leash will keep you and your boat connected in moderate seas if you don't 
let go of the paddle after a wet exit. Some leashes can't take the stress. 
Some leashes get used to secure the paddlefloat to the paddle, leaving you 
vulnerable if the float/paddle separates from the boat and that is all you 
are holding on to (the paddle). An experiment in breaking seas suggests more 
than just the wind can jolt the boat away from you during an in-water event. 
Andrew's predicament was a bit more unique, certainly more extreme we 
assume. Tethers (both lifeline and paddle leashes) can be left unattached 
and out of the way, employed only if conditions warrant their use for those 
who find using them by default full time too annoying. VHF radios can 
benefit from a short tether or snag free clip on the end of the lanyard.



Once on the radio trying to communicate a verifiable distress situation, 
repeat your level of distress three times on high output, identify your name 
and situation and position if able. Be prepared to have to repeat this 
information audibly and forcefully. Don't give up if you think you have not 
been heard. You don't know that for sure. If communication is difficult, hit 
the call button at short intervals regularly. If you have relayed a Mayday 
and things are unraveling quickly and communication clarity is suspect, why 
not set off your EPIRB? You've lost control of the situation probably 
anyway. Be prepared to take care of yourself for some time depending where 
you are and response times. Cold water robs dexterity. Move quickly to 
finish initial tasks. Rescue personal may still need some way to spot you 
once in the area. Plan for that too. A flooded compartment can be pumped out 
with a manual pump if the hull is sound and the hatch has come loose for 
whatever reason. I like to tether my hatch covers too.



I have been in a real-life rescue event where a rear hatch had to be opened 
in rough seas to retrieve essential gear. After that incident, I added 
pumping-out practice for my fore and after compartments. Even with gear in 
them, certain water volumes can make you kayak difficult to navigate.



Some folks are prone to panic and muddled thinking during a crisis. Practice 
and playing-out life-like scenarios may be the only thing to mitigate those 
natural tendencies when something does go wrong.



Oh, and thanks to Peter fro taking the time to present to us some facts 
about Andrew's incident, as well as clearly identifying the speculative 
aspects without exaggerations.



Doug Lloyd

Victoria BC
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