Kayaker Drowns Cambria- 7-1

How is it that some guys can swim in 50 degree water in a speedo for hours yet others die in 10 minutes?  Is it body composition?  The surprise factor?

SWB=shallow water blackout

I think it has to do with the veins and arteries in the limbs. When your body gets cold it restricts flow to those regions. After 10 - 15 minutes the flow opens back up and you die of hypothermia. This normal process does not happen in all people.

Also if you are swimming hard and burning a huge # of calories your body will produce more heat to help compensate the heat loss. Think of shivering, your body is trying to warm back up by burning calories.

How your body stores energy matters too. Fat insulates but takes a long time to burn. There are other 'storage' methods that the body uses to get quick calories to burn but I don't remember specifics.

-Brian G

I think it has to do with the veins and arteries in the limbs. When your body gets cold it restricts flow to those regions. After 10 - 15 minutes the flow opens back up and you die of hypothermia. This normal process does not happen in all people.

Mammalian diving reflex: In humans it is triggered when cold water hits your face. I've been fascinated by this mechanism since I first read about it. Apparently the reflex is extremely variable between individuals.

Update: 

Dan Martin, 72, a longtime member of North Coast Ocean Rescue team, said the victim “was on the surface, right under some kelp. … I’m almost positive he got trapped under a big, heavy blanket of kelp and wasn’t able to get free to get a breath.

“He was in his free-dive wet suit and was wearing a facemask and fins. He had his weight belt on. He probably had no idea he was in trouble.”

http://www.sanluisobispo.com/news/local/story/771043.html

I have a question. Is a farmer john wetsuit really a good choice? The sleeves of a fullsuit are considerably warmer IN the water. I also have been seeing the farmer john suits being worn baggy?  Wetsuits are designed to be worn tight, like a second skin? Im not talking trash, im just wondering why since were talking hypothermia.

Also it seems if you flipped ur yak alone, in heavy currents, that the yak could get out of reach quickly?  Do any guys run like surf style leashes?

I have a question. Is a farmer john wetsuit really a good choice? The sleeves of a fullsuit are considerably warmer IN the water. I also have been seeing the farmer john suits being worn baggy?  Wetsuits are designed to be worn tight, like a second skin? Im not talking trash, im just wondering why since were talking hypothermia.

Also it seems if you flipped ur yak alone, in heavy currents, that the yak could get out of reach quickly?  Do any guys run like surf style leashes?

I know there is some debate about this but a few very experienced guys I know do wear a full surfing type wetsuit.  I also know a few who leash themselves to the kayak all the time and some who only do when things start getting ugly.

I think what you need to decide is what are you preparing for.  If you figure you will fall off the yak and get right back on, the farmer john is fine, assuming its not so large to be cumbersome.  Since your paddle is leashed, just hold onto the paddle.  If you face the real prospect of swimming, or being in the water a long time, then a full suit would be a good idea.

mostly though its a calculated risk.  for example I have a 7 mil dive suit that would allow me to stay alive in 50 degree water for a long time, but it would make the paddle/fish part no fun at all.

I'm very saddened by this terrible news, and my deepest condolences go out to this man's friends and family.

I know it's tempting to venture out into the ocean alone when you just can't find a buddy to go with, but don't do it.  Plan ahead, contact your buddies or meet some new buddies by posting in the Hookups forum right here on NCKA.  There are plenty of friendly folks who share your passion for kayak fishing and diving that could always use another buddy themselves right here.

Have fun and be safe out there.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the family.  I go alone a lot, but feel comfortable in that I stay within my capabilities, and depart as soon as I see a change in conditions.  I can swim very good, however, in cold water, you cramp fast, and hypothermia can set in within a few minutes which clouds your judgement and restricts the use of your outer limbs.  But, if I had to chose how to go, that would be it-doing what I love.

A snug 7 mil farmer john and excellent foot insulation should protect a man for a long time - especially when clinging to the 'carcass' of the boat that's still floating there (with the two dozen noodles in it...)  That's me.

I know it's tempting to venture out into the ocean alone when you just can't find a buddy to go with, but don't do it.  Plan ahead, contact your buddies or meet some new buddies by posting in the Hookups forum right here on NCKA. 

With all due respect, stache54, by telling people "don't do it" you're crossing a line with lots of us.  Personally, I tire of hearing these types of warnings.  Are you trying to stop people from skydiving or any other "high risk" sports?  Freediving in thick kelp by yourself doesn't sound that smart, but it's also the case that this guy could've died with a buddy nearby.  You've also linked a sad solo diving death with paddling when they are actually very different.  As for the ease of meeting new folks and hooking up, I'm probably the poster child for how difficult that really is.  I've put an open invitation out there and I have met several folks up here on the north coast, but there are still times when I can't find a partner even with days and days of notice and a FAC ocean.  I end up making a judgment about my body's readiness, the conditions, and the scope of the trip that I'm considering, and I go alone if I feel good about it.

PJ shared a family tragedy that led to his decision not to dive at all, but he yaks alone in the ocean - that right there demonstrates a major difference between a diver and a kayak angler.

I'm sorry to stain this thread with my pride, but I feel strongly about the solemn nature of our review whenever a tragedy like this happens.  I feel it should lead to better safety dedication without putting all solo activities OTW under such scrutiny.

My two cents.

Thanks for answering my questions guys! a 7 mil, now that sounds nice and toasty..

Sorry to hear about these guys, its sad.

On a side, note, I often go yak fishing alone. Stoggie has joined me twice when he can make it. And recently Ive had a few invites by email, which is nice. Other times, it seems some people would rather not have a new yak fisher join them, which is perfectly fine, I understand that thought process as well. I'll just have to be extra carfeful on my solo trips. I wear the full surf style suit, I will say it has no front zipper!!!! But who cares

Update: 

Dan Martin, 72, a longtime member of North Coast Ocean Rescue team, said the victim “was on the surface, right under some kelp. … I’m almost positive he got trapped under a big, heavy blanket of kelp and wasn’t able to get free to get a breath.

“He was in his free-dive wet suit and was wearing a facemask and fins. He had his weight belt on. He probably had no idea he was in trouble.”

http://www.sanluisobispo.com/news/local/story/771043.html

just to make it clear it sounds like this is what it was.  the above quotes are from the Tribune.  while it doesn't sound like it is really a kayak-fishing incident it still a good reminder to all of us that you can't screw around out there.

i've seen guys from Fresno come over in 2 mil spring suits on rough days & i hate to think what could happen to them if they went in the water & coudln't get back into their boat.

EVERYONE should, at some point, take their boat 10 yards offshore, flip it, right it by theirself & return to shore wit a pal watching.  people should do it again if they get a new boat as well.

pj

With all due respect, stache54, by telling people "don't do it" you're crossing a line with lots of us.  Personally, I tire of hearing these types of warnings.  Are you trying to stop people from skydiving or any other "high risk" sports?  Freediving in thick kelp by yourself doesn't sound that smart, but it's also the case that this guy could've died with a buddy nearby.  You've also linked a sad solo diving death with paddling when they are actually very different.  As for the ease of meeting new folks and hooking up, I'm probably the poster child for how difficult that really is.  I've put an open invitation out there and I have met several folks up here on the north coast, but there are still times when I can't find a partner even with days and days of notice and a FAC ocean.  I end up making a judgment about my body's readiness, the conditions, and the scope of the trip that I'm considering, and I go alone if I feel good about it.

PJ shared a family tragedy that led to his decision not to dive at all, but he yaks alone in the ocean - that right there demonstrates a major difference between a diver and a kayak angler.

I'm sorry to stain this thread with my pride, but I feel strongly about the solemn nature of our review whenever a tragedy like this happens.  I feel it should lead to better safety dedication without putting all solo activities OTW under such scrutiny.

My two cents.
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Abking,  I never intended to put any negative tones or strike any nerves with my post, and I can appreciate your confidence in going solo when you feel right about it.  The "buddy system" is just the advice I had instilled in me when I started SCUBA diving as a teenaged boy, and I still believe in that advice whether I'm diving or just paddling.  I agree that accidents can still happen even with a group, but I don't think there is any argument that there is greater safety in numbers.  Ocean conditions can change quickly, and I personally feel much better knowing that someone has my back if need be.  We all have our individual opinions and levels of comfort with what we love to do.  No disrepect was ever intended.

Here's a crosspost from Spearboard.com.  It sounds like this guy was an accomplished waterman.  It just shows that it can happen to the best of us.

http://spearboard.com/showthread.php?t=87397

We lost one of our brothers today.
Jesso King (Wateronthebrain) died today doing what he loved, freediving/spearfishing.
He was 28 years old and a good friend. He was diving solo off Cambria, CA. in the kelp beads. A bystander called in a overturned kayak and local emergency resources ranging from Fish&Game, USCG, and local fire responded. They found Jesso at around 3pm. Cause is still undetermined.
Jesso was an ex-Coastguardsman, worked as a Reserve Morro Bay Harbor Patrol Officer and USLA Lifeguard. I worked with him in both areas. He loved the water and the freedom it brought to him.
I dove with him about a week and a half ago in the same area and I took a picture of a 15 pound red he had shot. It was the biggest fish he's shot to date- Goodtimes.
I used to ride his ass in the Coastguard as his supervisor for the crazy crap he would do, but he would always end up bringing a smile to my face. Jesso and I had some epic days of surf at the Canyon as well. He was the guy who brought the 9'6" longboard out on head and 1/2 + high days. He was truely a free soul.
Jesso, brother we are going to miss you man. Remenber, it was my turn drive next. See you on the flip side brother and keep the tax man off my back.

No disrepect was ever intended.

None taken, Brother.  I of course agree with you about the buddy system.  I really just wanted to point out that advising against going solo is kinda like telling someone not to smoke or drink - it's an individual decision.  What's more, it's an individual decision about something that really does hold vast potential for life-changing positive and beautiful events.  The self-discovery and appreciation that comes specifically from the solo mission is something that I want people to experience, because it's been a strong force in directing my life toward more positivity and beauty.  The inner strength that you walk with and that you will take to your grave is like a fine instrument.  Those that do not hone it due to being overly cautious are missing out on something special, IMO.  That is NOT to say that the buddy system is overly cautious at all.  It is to say that I have discovered that my ability to judge, prepare, implement, react and reflect on and after a solo mission has greatly enhanced my life - far beyond fishing.

After hearing he was an accomplished diver and spreafisherman I still speculate it was SWB.
I find it hard to believe an experienced diver would 1)allow himself to get that tangled up
in thick kelp and 2) not be able to free himself of it.
Bite it, break it or cut it. Spot a hole from the bottom and come up there.
Dive back down and cruise the bottom to find a hole in the kelp above.
It pains me every time I hear of such a tragedy. My heart felt sympathies go out to his family and friends.
Although I do not recommend it I feel perfectly fine diving solo. I actually feel more at ease doing it that way. I don't have to hurry and I don't have to wait. I can take as long as I want or call it a day after one minute if I want. Usually the only time I see my dive partner is on the way out and on the way back in. It is rare we see each other while actually hunting for snails.
Ideally, with a partner, one would dive down while the other watches from the surface; that is if the viz is that good which we all know usually it isn't. Once he surfaces it is the other guys turn and so on and so on.
Even though I know this is the safest way to go about it for me it takes the fun out of it.
Last year at Caspar Abman, Brian G. and I dove together. By together I mean we paddled out together, anchored near each other and paddle back together. I never saw either one of them underwater and Abman found a ton of dive gear on the bottom and Brian shot a nice ling. We were each doing our own thing so I am not sure we would have been able to actually help out if one of us got in trouble underwater in time to do any good.