Odat at OAP

Got lost in the many responses to the thread, so I am making my own report - although this should probably be in the "It happened to me and I lived to talk about it section."

*Odat rescued himself first with self-rescue (which he practiced before this incident).

*It wasn't that bad out there for the stable kayaks Dave and I had as after Odat went back in, I asked Dave, "Are you coming back out?" as I phoned him as I was hovering just outside launch after he went to retrieve the loaned paddle from Odat.

*We never saw Odat go over as our anchored position had us pointing West toward the shore with our backs to him. We heard that shore-fishermen saw him go over when we got back on land.

*We were all right within one mile of shore with Odat just being a little bit West of the last 911 marker.  I would say he was about 150 yards out behind Dave and I and slightly South of us.

*After he got back on his yak by himself (still anchored) he yelled out at the top of his lungs. I heard him faintly, turned over my right shoulder to look back, and was surprised I could even hear him that far away. I turn to my right and yell to Dave who was less than 30 yards away and I had to raise my voice to get his attention (Dave had not hear him). I tell Dave, "Hey, I think that guy got one."  And, we just turn our heads forward again and continue fishing, About five minutes later, another scream of, "Heyyyyyyyy." Again, Dave did not hear him. I take our a mirror I have, hold it over my head against the sun, and signal to the guy (Odat). He waves with hand fully extended above his kayak which I see and interpret as AOK ASN.   I turn to Dave (who is paying attention to his fishing) and yell, "I think he landed one."  And, again, we go back to fishing. About five minutes later, "Heyyyyyy.'  So, I again, turn to Dave who heard the yell this time as well. I tell Dave, "Ether he has one or there is something wrong." So, I tell Dave to try to make contact with the guy on his VHF.  I go back to fishing, Dave never made contact with him. I look over my shoulder the next time and Dave had already broken free from his quick release on his anchor and has gone out to check on the guy. I phone Dave a couple times as he is reaching the guy and I am still fishing. He is too busy with what was assistance to answer the phone. I see the guy taking off for shore like a 'bat out of hell' and Dave paddling much more slowly behind coming in as I am still anchored fishing. Dave returns to where I am am, says, "That's it" I am going in... I have to retrieve my extra paddle I loaned as he informed me of Odat flipping, loosing his paddle, fishing rod while he was fooling with a tangled anchor line (attached to the front).

The main purpose of Odat's post was to publicly thank Dave for going out to get him AND having an extra paddle. I intially heard and signalled him. He was OK as he was sitting on top anchored. I am surprised that he didn't just try to surfboard paddle in laying flat down.
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This was an FYI for anyone... check yourself and your foolproof plan B. I have probably been one of the least prepared in the past, but have always brought a buddy with me that was experienced.

Thank God you guys were there to rescue odat. No telling how long he would have
been sitting there if it wasn't for you guys. Not to make him feel any worst but,
huge lesson learned not just by him but for others as well.

Jedmo

Any way you look at it.... You guys were there to help another brother out.... True to how the NCKA ..."Rolls"... Way To Go...!!!

Gue