Swamped Kayak Rescue Sessions - Stevens Creek Reservoir/HMB

Depending on what kind of turnout we get, I'd like to run some experiments on swamping, as well as have people practice some rescue techniques. The experimentation is desired because it doesn't appear that there is any literature on rescuing swamped SOTs. There is plenty of info on rescuing SIKs, but since most of the SIKs that are being rescued have internal bulkheads, rescue is rather simple. Such will not likely be the case for us SOT fisherfolk.

Experimentation would test the following assumptions:

1) Two tandems out alone does not make for a safe group. Unless it can be be proven otherwise, only one person can be easily rescued by a tandem. So if we have a tandem available, I'd like to test whether or not it can reliably carry two hitchhikers.

2) The amount of floatation in most boats is going to make boat recovery easier, but cannot be relied on to make a fully swamped boat paddle-able or rescuable in open ocean conditions.

3) That it will be possible to rescue a swamped boat, where the swamping ocurred to a known, remediable issue. Rescue in this context means that the boat can be drained, and the paddler resume kayaking/fishing. The perfect example of this is swamping due to an open hatch.

4) That if a swamping situation arises in open ocean conditions and if (3) above is not true, then the best thing to do, is to immediately get the paddler piggybacked on another boat heading to shore. If the group size is large enough and experienced enough, and the conditions allow, then other boaters may attempt to rescue gear and or the hull itself.

5) Common rigging methods make rescue much difficult for the rescuer and the victim. I'm not saying that we have to completely chuck out our rigging, but that we need to be aware of some of the potential dangers of over pimpin'.



As far as actual rescue techniques being used, they will be simple variations on the T-rescue and stern rides, as well as formal training on standard re-entry.

Please submit other requests!


I'd also hope to be done by around noon.

Regards,
Scott

I mostly agree with all points. However, i am of the opinion (hoping I am in error) that a fully swamped SOT is impossible to rescue in any conditions but a calm lake--the occupant will have been in the water an intolerably long time to get it done if it is even possible.

As John Lull says in his book, paraphrasing, a sea worthy kayak must have adequate floatation in both ends--any baot that doesn't is dangerous in adverse conditions and a threat to survival in an accident in the open ocean.

But don't take that to men we shouldn't use them. It should be taken as this: we may be far to cavileir about safety, double-checking, having adequate training and numbers on our trips, safety equipment, and erring on the side of caution when conditions are marginal. Rapelling is a very dangerous activity, but climbers still do it--I have done it amny times but I do it with deliberance and caution to minimzie the risks. I believe operating an SOT on open ocean is the same kind of activity and I think we need to lend it the gravity is deserves.

I remain cautiously optimistic about swamped boat rescue in open ocean conditions. But for small teams in non-optimal conditions, my present feeling is that Job One is to get the victim the heck out of Dodge. And only if conditions permit, invest time into rescue of gear/hull.

At the very least, we may determine that much more floatation is an Extremely Good Idea.

My boat fully loaded with 4 rods, tackle and fishfinder only has a replacement cost of about $1500.  We're all worth a lot more than that.

Regards,
Scott

Part of the overall goal is test out some of the basic rescue steps and see if they are better done with doing them in a logical sequence that we discover throughout the day. For example, is it best to put paddle leashes on or off as a precautionary step before the formal instructions for a X rescue in the John Lull book?
Afterward, we would write down the logical sequence out after some trial and error in the calm lake conditions. Then we schedule a session in the reallistic open ocean conditions and update our notes from that experience.

Scott, I'll be there. 9am but need directions.

Scott, well-put about the cost of the kayak and gear versus that of a life. I might add that no fish is worth it either and  the fish will be there tomorrow and the next day--we need to make sure we are too.

I continue to hope that we can fidn a way to minimize the rescue challenge but I believe it will require drastic retrofitting to make up for the lack of bulkheads which seal in air and the silmutaneous multiple failures of which are extremely unlikely. Some filling of the extremes of the bow and stern with expandable foam may be required to provide sufficent immovable floatation and to displace pounds of water that otherwise would need to be pumped out.

As for the paddle leashes. I performed rough water rescues with the BCU off Bodega Bay in 28-knot winds, 4 foot wind waves and a 8-foot NW swell and never once was even aware of my paddle leash. It allowed me to drop the paddle with full confidence that if I held onto the lines on the kayak deck the paddle woudl stay with me. A 'T' rescue never pulled any kayak up high enough on deck of the rescue boat for the leash to get in the way. But without a leash, many a paddlewould have been lost in the chop. How many of you carry a spare inside your boat where it will still be there in event of capsize? No paddle in a 20 knot wind and stormy sea being blown out farther could be the end for you. Food for thought and a justification for a leash except in surf.

The session will be held here:

Scott - Steven's Creek is really low right now, I suggest you guys paddle down towards the very end  - where the stream enters the lake - so you guys have the area to yourself and not have to deal with people calling the 911 - thinking you all need to be "rescued" 

Did the testing occur?  Did someone post the result and I'm not seeing it?

 Ditto Seabreeze I was thinking the same. What were the results or were all hands lost at sea? Randall

I am sure that all the information that was gathered is being put into a report by Scott and Dan. I would have like some of this knowledge when I got swamped at BH these guys are a wealth of information.

Folks. We are working on an article to submit and will propose a new forum section "safety". I took over 300MB of pictures and, Scott and I are busy with work, it will take us a while to compose, edit, and review the article. It will cover the rescues we found could be accomplished as well as what didn't work. However this was calm water--we really need to test these under rougher conditions and we plan to as a followup.

Meanwhile here are some teaser photos of the four of us (Scott Thornley, Frankfishing, Kayakbuilder, and yours truly s photographer). Doug (Marmite) was a shore spectator.

I hope I didnt squirt a big sponge in my yak. Oh well, let the ice caps melt, my prowler will be ready!
Think I might pull all that crap out and try my new idea: Using closed cell pieces and goop/marine grade caulk, putting the yak vertically and sticking my head in the hatch, using a slender stick, cramming the ends full of gooped pieces of foam- good marine foam. Noodle parts. Rubber duck heads.
Yo anyone, where can I get a piece of closed cell foam thats 15 feet by 3feet and 3 feet? Gonna make me a yak, I can glass anything.

One of the benefits of the new generation of fishing kayaks called fishing skis (the Kaskazi Dorado and the Macski Kingfisher as good examples) iare sealed bulkheads jsut like real sea kayaks. thsi improve their propensity to be rescued and makes them muc more sea worthy. In addition, while fibreglas can be less robust than plastic, it is far easier to customize. the challenge is the production labor componetn tha keeps the relative cost higher than for roto-molded plastic. It will be interesting to see what to future brings.

Guitarzan, the best approach for permanent floatation is to get some dense closed cell foam and stack pieces with glue starting at the bow and stern likie a horizontal layer cake. the foam need ot be secured somehow though--once water is in the hull it will dislodge anythin not secured and float ot one end or the other resulting inthe layak foalting vertically in a position known as Cleopatra's Needle. It is very difficult to rescue a kayak in that situation--sea kayakers know this and we pushed the limits and we found out its true. Details to follow. 

Cool teasers!  Looks like fun.  I look forward to the report.