A dire event

I think practicing self rescue should be your main priority. It's actually pretty easy after a short while of practicing. Hope you heal up soon and that it's not too severe. Some shoulder injuries can be a PITA if they are reoccurring. Got a screw in mine after dislocating 5 times

Still waiting on that dive.  Between the two of us we have one set of good arms and should be good to go.

I don't think he wants to go diving anytime soon.

I know but the offer was in last year and I would have shown him what I learned on how to get back in when my shoulder gives out. 

I know but the offer was in last year and I would have shown him what I learned on how to get back in when my shoulder gives out.

I'm assuming you got it down pretty good then. I know when I climb back onto my yak I relax and let my legs float to the surface then kick up onto the deck. Its mostly legs and my arms are more for positioning.

Can you explain for us how you get back on when you are having arm trouble?

I'm assuming you got it down pretty good then. I know when I climb back onto my yak I relax and let my legs float to the surface then kick up onto the deck. Its mostly legs and my arms are more for positioning.

Can you explain for us how you get back on when you are having arm trouble?

I have a couple different ways but I like using the paddle float and sticking the paddle in the float and in the water and the other end under my seat.  It acts like a outrigger or pontoon to keep the kayak from rolling.  I either use fins to kick up and roll onto the kayak or put my leg on the paddle to wiggle up. 

It worked the times I was out with a paddle kayak but when my arm goes numb I am still just stuck there. That's why I got the hobie so if it happens I could pedal back.  I am usually in a wetsuit and can float for hours without an issue.  Not sure how long I could go in my kokatat suit.  Don't really want to find out. 

Scary shit bro,glad you kept your composer and made it.thanks for sharing your story.

Thanks....wetsuit definitely has its advantages.
Don't think I'll ever go dry suit....don't know what I'm missing but I'm OK with that.

Thanks....wetsuit definitely has its advantages.
Don't think I'll ever go dry suit....don't know what I'm missing but I'm OK with that.

Not an issue if you got friends around like at a tourney but if you are solo or traveling farther from your buddies that's when I would wear a wetsuit. 

Wow Alex, I am really glad you are here to share the story with us.  Way to keep your cool and make it out fine.  Mad props to Jesse and his dad for coming to the rescue!

Wow Alex, I am really glad you are here to share the story with us.  Way to keep your cool and make it out fine.  Mad props to Jesse and his dad for coming to the rescue!

I actually had said good bye to her Won and sent her on her way thinking maybe I would see her again someday. And the Lord brought her back to me. Of course with the aid of Jesse his dad.
I still haven't finished my story of the rest of the team that helped. I am actually at work enduring  the discomfort . Unfortunately no sick days or the luxury of missing work if I can endure it.  . Once a Marine always a Marine. 

Still waiting on that dive.  Between the two of us we have one set of good arms and should be good to go.

Haven't forgotten DG. Just may take a little longer. Semper Fi ! And you to Cabron ( Antonio )

Alex

To finish the remainder of my adventure. I am about halfway home from the first point on the north side. Jessie's Dad had been towing me in since I had no strength to pull my self aboard. He then passed me off to Kris. Who then towed me to just before the pier. We are then joined by Matt who says he will swim me in the rest of the way. Hit the shore and I have no more strength. I believe I literally used every bit I had to make it to that point. I cant even stand. So Matt, I think Chuck and Dustin help me to the steps. Matt Brings me some water and asks me if I am ok. I tell him ya and I just need to bask in the sun for a while and I will be alright. But as I am looking at him , he is looking at me like I don't look so good.  . I am sure he was right. Had the shivers for a bit but eventually wore off. I really don't want to drag this story on. But , would definitely like to acknowledge the people who helped me out. Thank you all guys and the beers are on me when we meet again under better circumstances.  . Red triangle dive team ROCKS !!

Alex 

After my  first haul in the water, trying to lift at fully loaded crab trap with crabs in over my PVC trap carrier as I was coming in HMB Harbor.  I immediately bought 2 Rescue Ladders one in the front and one in the back seat areas of my Hobie Oasis Tandem (permanently attached to the hand carry handles on the hull) and a fucking hand operated bilge pump. When I was in the water trying to right my yak, the hull on the Hobie Oasis Tandem is very wide and I had a hard time reaching over the hull to pull my boat upright. The rescue ladder can serve 2 purposes: 1. to throw it over the hull and pull the kayak upright and 2. to use the ladder wrung as a foot stirrup to use your legs to haul yourself into the kayak.
Trying to paddle a kayak half filled with water is not a piece of cake.
I was lucky that there was another NCKA'er Bruddah next to me to make sure that if I needed help, I was not alone.
From that time, I ALWAYS GO OUT WITH OTHER NCKA BRUDDAHS. Neva know what can happen out in the great blue!!
Alex, you are one tough motherfucker. I don't think that I would have survived under those conditions.

Get better and thanks for sharing your story!!!
Keeps all of us on the top of our game when it comes to safety on the Big Blue!!
Mahalo,
Da Bruddah Michael Y.)

By the way, I just installed AMA Sidekick pontoon on my Hobie in anticipation of the opening of the crab season, whenever that is!!!!!!!!
Here's a pic

Thanks for sharing such a traumatic event!  Glad you're OK!  Sharing stories like this and others is what makes NCKA so great.  Everyone can benefit from this incident by reviewing safety gear and practicing self rescue.  Your story inspired me to go to Lake Calero today and practice SR before the LRC next weekend.  I feel much better and will have one less worry on my mind next weekend. 

Self rescue at Lake Calero in S. San Jose 11/7/15
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJTy-CqvE18&feature=youtu.be

Thanks for the positive response Brudda ! And everyone that posted positive input and suggestions. Feeling a lot better today . Hope my shoulder heals quickly. Really looking forward to getting back on the water SOON !!

I do usually carry a whistle Eelkram. It is a good idea. Also watched a video where a guy mounted his kayak from behind by submerging the back end and dragging himself forward . looked like a really good idea. I also thought of that while I was out there. But there was nothing to grab on to. I think I might install some type of handle that I could grab onto for an emergency if all else fails. Will look into the ladder as well. Really did like the compact blow up device that fits on the end of the paddle.

Self rescue at Lake Calero in S. San Jose 11/7/15
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJTy-CqvE18&feature=youtu.be

Thanks for the video Sharkster. Motivating

Just got back from FM1's gig for Pablito and had a beer with my boys and of course Jessie and his dad. Cheers !!!