Your boat has just swamped.

Recent events seem to indicate that this too is an appropriate subject. There have been two swamped NCKA boats within the past 3 months.

And while this may seem rather pointed, my intent is not to point fingers. Instead it is to have the reader objectively assess theiir own abilities, and if needed, get training and practice.

I'm not quite at option 1, as I've not practiced this recently, either in flat water or the ocean. Again, a practice session is called for. Perhaps even additional training on how to fully rescue a swamped SOT. For instance, can you successfully T-rescue a swamped SOT?

Regards,
Scott

For instance, can you successfully T-rescue a swamped SOT?

And how many of you are scratching your head wondering what a T-rescue is?

So I must admit, I'm guilty of not regularly practicing safety and rescue skills.  That's going to change ...

-Allen

Amen, brother

Thanks for being real. Frank No pun intended

Option #1 should be: Pump out the hull with my hand pump, or t-rescue with a buddy. Apply temporary patch if possible. If not, piggyback on buddy's kayak and tow in disabled boat if doing so will not compromise safety.

I carry a length of duct tape. I'd better check where on the kayak it will stick. I suspect it would fail on the textured, nubbly sections of the hull.

ALWAYS carry a pump.   

This happened to me recently at the alameda rock wall.  I was making live bait over by the tires then paddled out a 1/2 mile off the rock wall.  I dropped my bait and looked at my gps to see how fast i was drifting. 0 mph.  The wind was blowing with the incoming tide so I should have been moving 1.8 with a 4 oz ball. 

I turned side saddle and opened my hatch to put some stuff away not thinking anything about it and saw that there was water half way up in my boat and more water swirling from the back drain plug.  Anyone with a tarpon knows that the drain up 2/3 of the height of the yak.  So, with my weight and my gear it was just enough for water to come in.  I quickly reeled in and ditched my bait.  I then through all my gear from the back into the front hatch staying calm in the lightly choppy conditions.  No sweat, I can swim if I have to.  Something I believe is a prerequisite for water sports . 

I then noticed I had forgotten my bilge pump.  No sweat once again.  I marked my position on my gps and then attached it to my vest(just in case).  I then started to paddle smoothly back to the launch.  The yak was heavy but it still floated even though I was 2/3 full of water at this point.  The water line was right at the top of my sides but I just kept paddleing trying not to go off balance and tip.  I made it back to shore.   I didn't feel this experience was worthy of "This happened to me", just something that  happens and you handle it with maturity, you'll be alright.  If your out of shape, or not an experienced swimmer, you should probabley be scared.  I personally feel that if you have a pfd on and some form of wetsuit you'll be alright.  The most important thing is to not waste energy panicing. 

So to be a mile off lime kiln and taking water fast, i'd probabley loose all my gear and paddle till my boat sunk.  From there I would either swim if alone or piggy back a buddys kayak.  JTF..

Happened to me while sturgeon fishing. My anchor line hung off the back of my Hobie, which submerged the rudder line just below the water. Water entered the holes where the rudder lines ran and after a while of just sitting there, I noticed that my yak felt unstable. Looked bact to find my rear tankwell nearly submerged, a real sinking feeling came over me...
Unhooked my anchor (whiched had an attached bouy) which alleviated the back end from being pulled under. No one around had a bilge pump, but made do by cutting a bottle of water in half and then just scooping the water out of the hold.
I carry a bilge pump w/ me now.