Re: [Paddlewise] Surf-Ski Death

On Thu, Oct 13, 2011 at 9:01 PM, Doug Lloyd <douglloyd_at_shaw.ca> wrote:

> Tragic. Leg-leash failure. Left behind. Death.
>

It doesn't seem right to leave a fellow kayaker in the water as you
paddle to shore for rescue. I don't have much experience with surf
skis but I suppose your recourse for rescue options is smaller. But I
don't see how that option would ever be considered.

A couple of things come to mind. Why didn't the escort paddler simply
paddle to Todd's boat rather than attempt to swim to it? Of course,
maybe the escort didn't have a way to tow it. But at least they should
have been able to retrieve a cell phone.

I would also think just bobbing in the water together would be much
safer, as they weren't in danger of hypothermia and would eventually
be blown to shore. There is still a danger of drowning, but you don't
hear it talked about since hypothermia is what gets most people who
end up in the water.

Looking at the comments, it seems Nick Schade covered most of my
thoughts...I do have one thing I wanted to add though.

I do more recreational cycling these days than kayaking. Organized
bike club rides almost always have a 'sweep' which is in communication
with the ride leader. And it's sometimes the case the more experienced
leader is the one in the back. For cycling, this is important mostly
for flats, mechanical, or other incidents that can come up. But it's
also done for safety as that person can be there in case of an
accident.

Having a leader in the front is there to navigate. But you often see
the other riders get ahead of the front -- even if they don't know the
route! -- and then disappear or get lost. This happens quite
frequently.

The idea is groups keep together. But even with that stated
philosophy, I have seen groups that almost split up regularly. And
then I wonder if the group is really more about regrouping for drinks
after?

I think we all need to ask if the group we're riding (or paddling
with) is really doing it for safety's sake or incidental camaraderie.
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