NorCal Kayak Anglers

Kayak Fishing Zone => Safety First => Topic started by: yakyakyak on March 13, 2017, 04:03:55 PM

Title: Runaway kayak - looking for your comment
Post by: yakyakyak on March 13, 2017, 04:03:55 PM

    Curious if anybody had any experience on a kayak that slides away after you hit the drink.  How far did it go? What was the speed before you get dumped on? How did you get back? What would you do different (harness, etc.)?  I am thinking of a yak that slides away at decent speed (not from a slow speed), but all feedback are welcome.  Maybe some folks with sail/motor already figure this out, if so, what do you do?

Added:

Basically, how do you recover from such event and what would you do differently going forward?






Title: Re: Runaway kayak - looking for your comment
Post by: Martianfish on March 13, 2017, 04:27:06 PM
All depends on wind, waves, and how hard you fall out👏😂
Title: Re: Runaway kayak - looking for your comment
Post by: AlsHobieOutback on March 13, 2017, 04:37:56 PM
Sure depends on the wind, waves, etc.  But the answer to me is "Not Far!" because my paddle is leashed to the yak, and you tend to death grip your paddle as you fall overboard.  Actually I think the wind is the biggest issue, if it's windy, it can get away from you pretty quick. 
Title: Re: Runaway kayak - looking for your comment
Post by: Baitman on March 13, 2017, 06:16:18 PM
Tether yourself to it.. or if you are using that 3hp Torqeedo,,, better use a seat belt.  :smt005
Title: Re: Runaway kayak - looking for your comment
Post by: VK on March 13, 2017, 06:23:09 PM
mine never ran both times  :smt002
Title: Re: Runaway kayak - looking for your comment
Post by: krusty on March 13, 2017, 06:25:18 PM
Sure depends on the wind, waves, etc.  But the answer to me is "Not Far!" because my paddle is leashed to the yak, and you tend to death grip your paddle as you fall overboard.  Actually I think the wind is the biggest issue, if it's windy, it can get away from you pretty quick.

+1 Just hold on to that tethered paddle.
Title: Re: Runaway kayak - looking for your comment
Post by: yakyakyak on March 13, 2017, 08:22:46 PM
Tether yourself to it.. or if you are using that 3hp Torqeedo,,, better use a seat belt.  :smt005

Ya, this is why I was asking ... lol ... looking good, ready for water test.
Title: Re: Runaway kayak - looking for your comment
Post by: Bushy on March 13, 2017, 09:05:47 PM
When I first started and was always going out alone.  1 yr before I saw, and met Brian G.  I used a surfboard leash precisely because of that worry.  After falling out a couple times the leash became more a hindrance than a help so i got rid of it.  I agree.  hang onto your paddle.  (Hang onto you rod also, especially if I've lent it to you!!!)

Bushy
Title: Re: Runaway kayak - looking for your comment
Post by: NowhereMan on March 13, 2017, 09:08:03 PM
When I first started and was always going out alone.  1 yr before I saw, and met Brian G.  I used a surfboard leash precisely because of that worry.  After falling out a couple times the leash became more a hindrance than a help so i got rid of it.  I agree.  hang onto your paddle.  (Hang onto you rod also, especially if I've lent it to you!!!)

Bushy

What about people who don't paddle?
Title: Re: Runaway kayak - looking for your comment
Post by: krusty on March 13, 2017, 10:47:09 PM
When I first started and was always going out alone.  1 yr before I saw, and met Brian G.  I used a surfboard leash precisely because of that worry.  After falling out a couple times the leash became more a hindrance than a help so i got rid of it.  I agree.  hang onto your paddle.  (Hang onto you rod also, especially if I've lent it to you!!!)

Bushy

What about people who don't paddle?

Hope the toe straps on your mirage drive is tight?  :smt005
Title: Re: Runaway kayak - looking for your comment
Post by: Tote on March 14, 2017, 05:46:36 AM
Practice falling out so it doesn't happen.
Unless you get a torpedo hit from a GWS you know when you are falling out of your kayak.
Don't fight it, hop off and keep one hand on it as you do.
If you haven't practiced enough then you have no idea what I am talking about, and that's on you.
Title: Re: Runaway kayak - looking for your comment
Post by: yakyakyak on March 14, 2017, 09:40:07 AM
Practice falling out so it doesn't happen.
Unless you get a torpedo hit from a GWS you know when you are falling out of your kayak.
Don't fight it, hop off and keep one hand on it as you do.
If you haven't practiced enough then you have no idea what I am talking about, and that's on you.

I think you're right, things seems to enter slow mo when you're about to fall off.  I want to say I have a pretty good reaction on a spill event, but I agree that practice will make perfect. 

I've seen some of the commentaries on the AI boards, harness seems to be the way to go.  'gonna try the surf leash thing as an insurance.



Title: Re: Runaway kayak - looking for your comment
Post by: Bushy on March 14, 2017, 09:43:46 AM
Practice falling out so it doesn't happen
I think you're right, things seems to enter slow mo when you're about to fall off. 

Always seemed to happen pretty quickly for me...Just sayin'

bushy

Title: Re: Runaway kayak - looking for your comment
Post by: crash on March 14, 2017, 09:53:52 AM
I can picture a separation situation where you would quickly and irrecoverably lose contact with your kayak.  Anchored in current is one.  Strong, unexpected and sustained wind blow is another. 

A strong unexpected gust happened to an NWKA guy a few years back, you could see the wind whipping up the water as it blew toward his position.  When it hit, he huli'd into the cold water.  Watch the first few seconds of this video to see how fast it happens.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5P3T64I3WEE

He didn't get separated, but I could easily see it happening.

As for tethering to the kayak, I think that opens up a whole bunch of other concerns.  If I did tether, I'd want it to be at the waist with a harness.  You don't want it on your ankle with the potential to get pulled under and not have any good way to reach the line to cut it.  I'd rather be separated from my kayak in that instance.  I don't tether and have no plans to start.
Title: Re: Runaway kayak - looking for your comment
Post by: Baitman on March 14, 2017, 09:56:47 AM
 


I think you're right, things seems to enter slow mo when you're about to fall off.  I want to say I have a pretty good reaction on a spill event, but I agree that practice will make perfect. 

I've seen some of the commentaries on the AI boards, harness seems to be the way to go.  'gonna try the surf leash thing as an insurance.

      You're on a Raptor,, you won't fall off.
Title: Re: Runaway kayak - looking for your comment
Post by: crash on March 14, 2017, 10:01:51 AM
 


I think you're right, things seems to enter slow mo when you're about to fall off.  I want to say I have a pretty good reaction on a spill event, but I agree that practice will make perfect. 

I've seen some of the commentaries on the AI boards, harness seems to be the way to go.  'gonna try the surf leash thing as an insurance.

      You're on a Raptor,, you won't fall off.

Accelerate too fast and he could somersault off the back! 

Make sure you have it trimmed properly to get up on a plane.
Title: Re: Runaway kayak - looking for your comment
Post by: Dale L on March 14, 2017, 10:46:59 AM
My only real concern with this is when (solo) anchored out in big water far from shore with fast current.  IE anchored a mile plus offshore in Suisun Bay.  Current there is way faster than I can swim, with or without PFD (always worn).  I've thought about tethering but never done it.  Figured in that circumstance it would be a really ugly day but with wetsuit and PFD I'd get to shore safely, it would just be a long ass float/swim.  Anytime I've gone over (never in moving water tho) seems like an arm immediately lashes out and grabs the yak.

Maybe I should set up an auto QRAS release, maybe just tether a light line to pop the release.

Wind would be a big deal too if you reacted too slow.
Title: Re: Runaway kayak - looking for your comment
Post by: E Kayaker on March 14, 2017, 10:58:09 AM
If I rig up a motor, I'm going to add a kill switch like you find on a jetski.
Title: Re: Runaway kayak - looking for your comment
Post by: yakyakyak on March 14, 2017, 11:01:19 AM
 


I think you're right, things seems to enter slow mo when you're about to fall off.  I want to say I have a pretty good reaction on a spill event, but I agree that practice will make perfect. 

I've seen some of the commentaries on the AI boards, harness seems to be the way to go.  'gonna try the surf leash thing as an insurance.

      You're on a Raptor,, you won't fall off.

Jim, I actually feel really really good about being on the Raptor.  But I worry about everything, at least I'd like to get this answered to some degree.  'gonna tether to top of PFD or waist and will test high speed.  The surf leash should be good for on/off.  Tether is only on high speed, off otherwise.  You never know, that's the same reason why we buy insurance.  I can't discount stupidity as well ... for example, I may decide to surf standing up   :smt005


I also thought about grabbing the paddle, but my paddle is tucked in into a bungee paddle holder, may not come off easily. 






Title: Re: Runaway kayak - looking for your comment
Post by: yakyakyak on March 14, 2017, 11:01:55 AM
If I rig up a motor, I'm going to add a kill switch like you find on a jetski.

Yup, I got the kill switch covered, it's the slide that I worry about.  Thx!
Title: Re: Runaway kayak - looking for your comment
Post by: Tote on March 18, 2017, 01:18:26 AM
I can picture a separation situation where you would quickly and irrecoverably lose contact with your kayak.  Anchored in current is one.  Strong, unexpected and sustained wind blow is another. 

A strong unexpected gust happened to an NWKA guy a few years back, you could see the wind whipping up the water as it blew toward his position.  When it hit, he huli'd into the cold water.  Watch the first few seconds of this video to see how fast it happens.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5P3T64I3WEE

He didn't get separated, but I could easily see it happening.


That's a guy who didn't practice self rescue.
He took WAY too long to get back on then needed help doing so.
Gather and fix your shit later. Get back on first and foremost.
If you practice regularly you will learn your tipping point too and avoid that mistake more often than not.
Pretty freaking simple~ PRACTICE!
Title: Re: Runaway kayak - looking for your comment
Post by: Bushy on March 18, 2017, 09:04:12 AM
Also- Carry your waterproof vhf radio on your PFD, which you are always wearing. If the yak gets away, you can still call for help.

Bushy
Title: Re: Runaway kayak - looking for your comment
Post by: Fish 'n Brew on March 18, 2017, 11:42:00 AM
Looks to me like those new style seats create a center of gravity that enhances one's "opportunity" to flip over.  I think I'll stick to the sore ass scenario rather than the flip.

Title: Re: Runaway kayak - looking for your comment
Post by: Fuzzy Tom on March 18, 2017, 01:27:30 PM
    In 12+ years of fishing at least once a week I think I might have fallen off my Prowler 15 once, but since I don't recall the details, I think maybe I never have, except when practicing -and it's hard to get it to go over.
    But I almost never fish outside of Monterey/Carmel Bays, and I don't enjoy fishing in windy, rough conditions, so I watch the weather/wave reports pretty carefully, and have the privilege of fishing on weekdays if I wish, so I have a lot less pressure to go out in poor conditions. And I try to head in before it's absolutely mandatory, to give myself a little slack in case I get delayed getting in. 
    I suppose if you were on the open ocean where the wind could come up suddenly it would be a different story.  The swell shouldn't surprise you, with all the swell predicting websites,and if you look at a chart and FF now and then to stay away from shallow water, or move away if you see a breaking wave you didn't anticipate.
   I agree that the fewer tethers/ropes/stringers the better in case of capsize, and keep a knife on your vest that you can use with one hand in case you do get tangled
Title: Re: Runaway kayak - looking for your comment
Post by: Baitman on March 19, 2017, 08:09:12 AM
  Anyone remember Albion a few years back,?     Windy,, nasty, about 5 people rolled  that day.    Dan ( Headwaters) was surfing in that stealth kayak, stopped to take this photo.
Title: Re: Runaway kayak - looking for your comment
Post by: Fish 'n Brew on March 19, 2017, 09:52:15 AM
I need to win that yak at the Tillamook event.  It looks like there may be some Loose Screws making the trip.

Martin
Title: Re: Runaway kayak - looking for your comment
Post by: Baitman on March 19, 2017, 08:22:35 PM
I need to win that yak at the Tillamook event.  It looks like there may be some Loose Screws making the trip.

Martin

 Cool !!!    It's gonna be awesome ! 
Title: Re: Runaway kayak - looking for your comment
Post by: yakyakyak on March 19, 2017, 10:52:18 PM

'tried my motor today.  The short story is, 'dont think you should worry about a high speed slide if you worry about battery usage  :smt044   I did bring that surf leash just in case ....  :-)

Title: Re: Runaway kayak - looking for your comment
Post by: GTboosted on April 17, 2017, 10:09:32 AM
I took a few spills in a Wilderness systems Tarpon 140. Gust were 60-80 with a constant 35mph wind.

The kayak never got far from. I did ended up needing a rescue because I couldn't stay on it due to waves and wind.

Title: Re: Runaway kayak - looking for your comment
Post by: Tinker on April 17, 2017, 11:27:53 AM
That's a guy who didn't practice self rescue.
He took WAY too long to get back on then needed help doing so.
Gather and fix your shit later. Get back on first and foremost.
If you practice regularly you will learn your tipping point too and avoid that mistake more often than not.
Pretty freaking simple~ PRACTICE!

The front of that video was trimmed-off so you wouldn't know that he knows how to do a self-rescue as well as anyone, but was using a boat loaned to him for a test ride, one he'd never been on before this was filmed.

Nonetheless, you're points are well made.  Practice, practice, practice.   
Title: Re: Runaway kayak - looking for your comment
Post by: Bushy on April 17, 2017, 05:01:26 PM
I took a few spills in a Wilderness systems Tarpon 140. Gust were 60-80 with a constant 35mph wind.

The kayak never got far from. I did ended up needing a rescue because I couldn't stay on it due to waves and wind.



This I find hard to believe.
Title: Runaway kayak - looking for your comment
Post by: Beachmaster90 on April 17, 2017, 05:35:57 PM
I took a few spills in a Wilderness systems Tarpon 140. Gust were 60-80 with a constant 35mph wind.

The kayak never got far from. I did ended up needing a rescue because I couldn't stay on it due to waves and wind.



This I find hard to believe.

^
Title: Re: Runaway kayak - looking for your comment
Post by: crash on April 17, 2017, 05:37:51 PM
I took a few spills in a Wilderness systems Tarpon 140. Gust were 60-80 with a constant 35mph wind.

The kayak never got far from. I did ended up needing a rescue because I couldn't stay on it due to waves and wind.



This I find hard to believe.

^^

That's a pretty serious storm.  It wouldn't just pop up out of nowhere.  If it is true, you need to learn how to read a weather report.
Title: Re: Runaway kayak - looking for your comment
Post by: Eddie on April 17, 2017, 05:56:55 PM
I took a few spills in a Wilderness systems Tarpon 140. Gust were 60-80 with a constant 35mph wind.

The kayak never got far from. I did ended up needing a rescue because I couldn't stay on it due to waves and wind.
Those are Chuck Norris kayak conditions, are you guys related?
Title: Re: Runaway kayak - looking for your comment
Post by: NowhereMan on April 17, 2017, 07:44:24 PM
I took a few spills in a Wilderness systems Tarpon 140. Gust were 60-80 with a constant 35mph wind.

The kayak never got far from. I did ended up needing a rescue because I couldn't stay on it due to waves and wind.
Those are Chuck Norris kayak conditions, are you guys related?

 :smt044