NorCal Kayak Anglers

Kayak Fishing Zone => Fishing Tournaments and Events => Topic started by: raydon on August 19, 2012, 10:37:12 PM

Title: WHO IS THIS BRAVE KAYAKER AT ALBION?
Post by: raydon on August 19, 2012, 10:37:12 PM
I left my camera at my daughter's home after Albion and just got it back.

 As you are aware, there were two spills at Albion and in both incidents, the dunked kayakers got out safely. 

I witnessed this rescue and was on the horn reporting it.  However, I don't know the name of either the kayaker that went over, or the kayaker that saved his ass.  I was
impressed at how the yaker in the white kayak risked his safety to save another yaker.

I first saw the drowned yaker straddeling his overturned yak and yelling for help. 
I reported that on 69.  A general assistance call was made.  Shortly after that, the yaker
went over again, and that's when I thought he was really in trouble.

Several kayakers and the power boat responded and move toward the drowned yaker.

However, the yaker with the white kayak committed himself to helping.


He came from a frontal approach straight at the drowned yak then circled behind him.  He then moved so his bow was just in front of the others stern.  Then with both hands he managed to right the drowned yak.  Then he moved up even, stretched across, and help the water logged yaker in  his yak.

He then towed the drenched, cold yaker to the power boat . who eventally took him
to camp.

I think that bravery such as this should be recognized. 

If you know who he is, please post it.  I want to thank him.     
Title: WHO IS THIS BRAVE KAYAKER AT ALBION?
Post by: Mr.Matt on August 19, 2012, 11:14:44 PM
It's been over a week an I haven't heard of anyone rescuing the second guy.

Now that in my books is a Super Bro right there. Just shows up, saves someone's ass then disappears.

Sorta like Batman! Awesome.
Title: Re: WHO IS THIS BRAVE KAYAKER AT ALBION?
Post by: Salty. on August 19, 2012, 11:31:02 PM
Mr.Matt, Not 100% sure......but I think it was.
Title: Re: WHO IS THIS BRAVE KAYAKER AT ALBION?
Post by: fishkraft on August 19, 2012, 11:34:51 PM
That guy was camped right next to me in C17. Older guy, I think his name is Dennis. He was the one driving the white 4WD van, cool dude for sure. He said he's not on this board but maybe fishhunter.com (?), something like that.

He never mentioned the rescue.

Hats off to Dennis :groupwave
Title: Re: WHO IS THIS BRAVE KAYAKER AT ALBION?
Post by: Salty. on August 19, 2012, 11:38:01 PM
The white van with the Bat emblem on the side?  :smt004
Title: Re: WHO IS THIS BRAVE KAYAKER AT ALBION?
Post by: fishkraft on August 19, 2012, 11:38:53 PM
Dont remember the bat emblem....
Title: Re: WHO IS THIS BRAVE KAYAKER AT ALBION?
Post by: Danglin on August 19, 2012, 11:57:57 PM
That is Awesome!!!

  Strong work whoever you are.....  :batman:
Title: Re: WHO IS THIS BRAVE KAYAKER AT ALBION?
Post by: Hojoman on August 20, 2012, 01:44:38 AM
Mr.Matt wasn't there this year. Gabe (ElDorado) was the second one in the water. FYi, Scubaluis and (I believe) Victor (Vwool) hit the water too, although briefly. Scubaluis had help from several kayakers. Only two people named Dennis on the Albion roster are Dennis Shu (Old#&) and Dennis Andersen (Norsemen). Dennis Shu rode a white kayak last year and this year.
Title: Re: WHO IS THIS BRAVE KAYAKER AT ALBION?
Post by: BigJim on August 20, 2012, 06:10:29 AM
David Batt. Great waterman and great guy. Had the pleasure of diving with him and DaveW on Friday. Also dove with him at GS6.

He was paddling a white MacSki with black stripes and his white van has a Bat sticker on it.

WTG BATTman!!

 :smt006

Sincerely,

Jim
Title: Re: WHO IS THIS BRAVE KAYAKER AT ALBION?
Post by: Rockroach on August 20, 2012, 06:23:31 AM
Dave Batt is the man!
He's probably spear fishing halibut at the mouth of Tomales right now!
Title: Re: WHO IS THIS BRAVE KAYAKER AT ALBION?
Post by: BigJim on August 20, 2012, 06:29:21 AM
Dave Batt is the man!
He's probably spear fishing halibut at the mouth of Tomales right now!

I think he is!

 :smt002

http://doty.ncka.org/catches/216 (http://doty.ncka.org/catches/216)

The yakker he is saving in the pictures is Gabe ElDorado.

 :smt006

Sincerely,

Jim
Title: Re: WHO IS THIS BRAVE KAYAKER AT ALBION?
Post by: ravensblack on August 20, 2012, 07:59:58 AM
Batt
Title: Re: WHO IS THIS BRAVE KAYAKER AT ALBION?
Post by: LoletaEric on August 20, 2012, 08:16:23 AM
WTG, Batt - solid!   :smt001
Title: Re: WHO IS THIS BRAVE KAYAKER AT ALBION?
Post by: ReelKnots on August 20, 2012, 08:31:57 AM
Right on Batt WTG Bro.  :smt002


Kiel
Title: Re: WHO IS THIS BRAVE KAYAKER AT ALBION?
Post by: StephKillsit on August 20, 2012, 08:43:00 AM
Great job Batt!!  :smt006
Title: Re: WHO IS THIS BRAVE KAYAKER AT ALBION?
Post by: The X Inn Keeper on August 20, 2012, 08:45:15 AM
Haven't been able to attend Albion yet, but I'm glad to see the brotherhood is strong.
Thank you for your selfless act and watching out for our brothers.
You are a true hero.

Eric / Yakhopper

Sent from my phone cause I can ;-)
Title: Re: WHO IS THIS BRAVE KAYAKER AT ALBION?
Post by: Str8FishiN on August 20, 2012, 09:09:27 AM
Strong work Battman! 
Title: Re: WHO IS THIS BRAVE KAYAKER AT ALBION?
Post by: PISCEAN on August 20, 2012, 09:41:23 AM
So nice to see him get credit, those look like nasty conditions.
WTG Batt.
Title: Re: WHO IS THIS BRAVE KAYAKER AT ALBION?
Post by: FISHADOW on August 20, 2012, 09:47:01 AM
Met him at TC when he shot a HUGE perch Now saving lives and killing halibut. Hell of a guys in my book. Hats off to the batt man  :smt006
Title: Re: WHO IS THIS BRAVE KAYAKER AT ALBION?
Post by: raydon on August 20, 2012, 10:16:38 AM
I double the accolades he merits.  As I  and others were trying to decide whether to go in or not,  BATMAN never hesitated and was there in a blink.  Thank you Mr. Batt. 
Title: Re: WHO IS THIS BRAVE KAYAKER AT ALBION?
Post by: FishingAddict on August 20, 2012, 10:18:12 AM
NCKA should create a medal for a hero like him.
Title: Re: WHO IS THIS BRAVE KAYAKER AT ALBION?
Post by: raydon on August 20, 2012, 10:21:50 AM
How about a mounted picture with a short story below?

Any other ideas?
Title: WHO IS THIS BRAVE KAYAKER AT ALBION?
Post by: Mr.Matt on August 20, 2012, 10:30:42 AM
A BatCape!
Title: WHO IS THIS BRAVE KAYAKER AT ALBION?
Post by: Mr.Matt on August 20, 2012, 10:31:55 AM
See, I told you guys it was BattMan!
Title: Re: WHO IS THIS BRAVE KAYAKER AT ALBION?
Post by: LapuLapu on August 20, 2012, 10:38:18 AM
Anyone heard from Gabe (ElDorado)?  Hope he's okay. 

WTG BATTMAN for saving a fellow NCKA brother! 

Rey
Title: Re: WHO IS THIS BRAVE KAYAKER AT ALBION?
Post by: BigJim on August 20, 2012, 10:38:30 AM
Don't read beyond the first page of this thread cuz the rest of it gets pretty sad, BUT I wanted to point out that Batt was also right in the thick of a rescue at GS6 as well.

Quote
It was the headsup of Crusty, Tim, to go in and throw sonny a life line and drag him out of the danger zone. THen another big heads up was Dave Batt who courageously went in to put a line on sonny's yak.Together he and I drag the yak thru the swells back over to Crusty, where  Sonny is holding onto Tim's stern. I think it was Gabe who helped stabilize me with his paddle, as we collectively flipped sonny's yak upright.. (he had stabilizers on which made it tougher to roll back upright) Sorry if I didn't get the others names right, but you know who you are.

Sonny, Crusty and Batt are definately studs in my book.. Going into the swells to save another yakker takes tremendous bravery and confidence..everyone on the scene worked together, calling in the wave sets etc..


http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=37933.0 (http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=37933.0)

Shows what kind of guy and how strong on the water he is...when I have been diving and paddling with him I have been VERY impressed with his skills and character.

Dave, I'll help you carry your kayak any day of the week.

 :smt006

Sincerely,

Jim
Title: Re: WHO IS THIS BRAVE KAYAKER AT ALBION?
Post by: TyFishing/Airgun on August 20, 2012, 10:45:26 AM
Great teamwork Batt. That how Kayak fishing should be.
Title: Re: WHO IS THIS BRAVE KAYAKER AT ALBION?
Post by: NicksYak on August 20, 2012, 10:52:13 AM
Way to man-up, my brother.
Title: Re: WHO IS THIS BRAVE KAYAKER AT ALBION?
Post by: Paddleboy84 on August 20, 2012, 10:58:32 AM
Mr.Matt wasn't there this year. Gabe (ElDorado) was the second one in the water. FYi, Scubaluis and (I believe) Victor (Vwool) hit the water too, although briefly. Scubaluis had help from several kayakers. Only two people named Dennis on the Albion roster are Dennis Shu (Old#&) and Dennis Andersen (Norsemen). Dennis Shu rode a white kayak last year and this year.

First off great work to Mr. Batt for getting in there and saving someone's bacon. That was a nasty spot, and not everyone could have done that rescue without getting into trouble. Props.

As far as Vwool's swim, he caught a snag with his drag to tight and a wave knocked him off balance. He and I were buddies on the water that day so I was close to get him back into his boat. He rigged his kayak smart and all his gear was accounted for. Lots of practice in flat water, and a dry suit made this swim a non issue. He was back in his boat is less than a mintue and fished the rest of the day. I share this story not to brag, but because I'm proud of the paddler victor has become. The right gear and training make swimming at sea part of the fun.

Atta boy Vwool.
Title: Re: WHO IS THIS BRAVE KAYAKER AT ALBION?
Post by: fishkraft on August 20, 2012, 11:05:44 AM
Yes, thanks for the correction BigJim. It was David not Dennis. I chatted with him a little, had no idea he was such a stud. Totally humble guy and a quiet neighbor too.
Title: Re: WHO IS THIS BRAVE KAYAKER AT ALBION?
Post by: Bird on August 20, 2012, 11:33:56 AM
Anyone heard from Gabe (ElDorado)?  Hope he's okay. 

WTG BATTMAN for saving a fellow NCKA brother! 

Rey

Nice job Dave Batt!

Talked to Gabe yesterday, he is doing well.  His computer has been down.
Title: Re: WHO IS THIS BRAVE KAYAKER AT ALBION?
Post by: FisHunter on August 20, 2012, 12:18:19 PM
Anyone heard from Gabe (ElDorado)?  Hope he's okay. 

WTG BATTMAN for saving a fellow NCKA brother! 

Rey

Nice job Dave Batt!

Talked to Gabe yesterday, he is doing well.  His computer has been down.
Good to read!  on all counts.
Title: Re: WHO IS THIS BRAVE KAYAKER AT ALBION?
Post by: mendohead on August 20, 2012, 01:27:30 PM
Hi Yakers:
    Good thing Dave was there because,  Albion has no Life Guard and Mendocino Fire Dept is too far!
On the Coast your on your own . The Coast Guard is in Ft. Bragg and might reach you in time!
    I lived in Albion for eight years and it's really easy to die on the Coast.
                                                                                                                                                        Regards
                                                                                                                                                        Ernie
                                                                                                                                   
Title: Re: WHO IS THIS BRAVE KAYAKER AT ALBION?
Post by: Tote on August 20, 2012, 02:06:20 PM
A hero is what a hero does.
Great job!
Title: Re: WHO IS THIS BRAVE KAYAKER AT ALBION?
Post by: batt on August 20, 2012, 02:16:18 PM
Accolades go to the power boat driver who risked his boat and four teen women passengers in the surf zone.  I blew it by not accounting for the kayak being waterlogged and unstable.  Should have insisted Gabe stay low and not fuss with his equipment.  Lucky Gabe was a strong man and assisted in pulling himself up on the yak the first time.  Kudos again to the PB driver.   Batt
Title: Re: WHO IS THIS BRAVE KAYAKER AT ALBION?
Post by: MontanaN8V on August 20, 2012, 03:00:10 PM
It is a great piece of mind going into one of these events, that is there is trouble, everyone helps. Not just on the water, mechanical breakdowns, out of propane for cooker, you name it! this group is very unselfish, and aside form the occassional A-Hull, most everyobody is a nice, quiet neighbor! #fishmaster1 snores!
Title: Re: WHO IS THIS BRAVE KAYAKER AT ALBION?
Post by: Jedmo on August 20, 2012, 03:02:10 PM
Thanks for being there and helping Gabe get back on his yak David. I'll make sure to find you on the next hookup and hand you a cold one next time I see you.

Jedmo
Title: Re: WHO IS THIS BRAVE KAYAKER AT ALBION?
Post by: MontanaN8V on August 20, 2012, 03:08:26 PM
On that note Jedmo, make sure BigJim is near you in the event that you go over! Now, a friend will help you back in your kayak. Jim was still fishing that big yak, and several people helped me get back in at Shelter Cove a few years ago, Jim paddles up to me while I gather my composure, and hands me a beer! A true friend, I mean a gosh darn true friend, hands you a beer when you get upright! Thanks Jim!
Title: Re: WHO IS THIS BRAVE KAYAKER AT ALBION?
Post by: Tote on August 20, 2012, 04:26:13 PM
Solid work Batt.
You're one hombre I'd never worry about in sloppy conditions.
Title: Re: WHO IS THIS BRAVE KAYAKER AT ALBION?
Post by: WingShooter on August 21, 2012, 03:33:10 PM
Mr David Batt was definitely Johnny on the spot. As I (orange yak) approached both David and Gabe, they were able to right the boat quickly. David positioned himself to help Gabe get back in the boat which didn't take long at all. Once I noticed he was back on his boat I scanned for his gear and paddle. The SB waited to see if further assistance was needed. I was able to find his paddle floating toward the wash, I quickly grabbed it and got the hell out of there. The PB moved in as David was towing the yaker away from the wash. They were able to get him on board and tow the yak back.
I later spoke with Gabe and he was VERY thankful for all that responded. Because of people like David and the PB guy who risked his whole family and everyone else who helped save someone that day, more of us will come back in to see our families after a good or bad day fishing the salt. That feels good.
Title: Re: WHO IS THIS BRAVE KAYAKER AT ALBION?
Post by: ElDorado on August 25, 2012, 12:56:51 AM
Wow,what can I say that hasnt been sayd.Ill start by saying as I was  freeking out I finnaly saw help on the way and all I saw  was the splash from the paddle and the grinn on his wind blown white whiskers along being atop of a white Yak  with black stripes charging towards me ,in my hour of need.When the power boater helped me on,they tryed to pull me on by the side but I was too water logged,so I moved to the back towards the engine.I humbly asked my P Ber to please turn off engine cause I whould have nead for some of  dose Parts later.So they pull me in just like a Marlin onto the deck and as Im sprouling and flopping on deck ,his girls are woried ,so I say to them ,Improbably going to be the biggest thing  you pull in today.What a beautifull fam.Speaking of Fam ,you all are Gourgeous to me,Gracias,Gabe  One last note ,.When I came in I was greeted bythis real cool dude and his Doc  wife whoom asked me my name and where I was and checked me out and made shure I was not in shock.Im so sorry Ive forgotten youre names.Please let me know,cause you guys made shure I got something hot in me and changed clothes and looked over me for a long time.Muchisimas Gracias Mano and Mana .Please PM me ,Gabe
Title: Re: WHO IS THIS BRAVE KAYAKER AT ALBION?
Post by: bloodbath on August 25, 2012, 12:02:01 PM
Dave Batt!!! Dave is very confident with his skills in the water.
Can I get a second chance to dive with you Dave? Gotta make up for Shelter!
Title: Re: WHO IS THIS BRAVE KAYAKER AT ALBION?
Post by: bakedog75 on August 25, 2012, 02:01:23 PM
WOW!!!! My name is Brian and i am fairly new to NCKA. This is an amazing story and it is so incredible to hear of these heroic and selfless acts, with people putting their own lives at risk to save a fellow kayaker in need!  I feel very honored to be part of such an organization with such incredible people looking out for one and another.  kudos to all involved and i hope i can help if there is time where i can.  it feels good knowing that people are watching out for our bothers and sisters, weather they are NCKA or just other kayakers in need!  Thankyou battman and all involved in the rescues that day and to those rescues on countless other days....you are all heros!