Free Open Deck Rescue Clinic

Besides a wetsuit/ dry suit and pfd what else should we bring for this class.

Besides a wetsuit/ dry suit and pfd what else should we bring for this class.

We will cover safety equipment. If you have booties bring them. This is a wet class so bring a dry pair of clothes and towels for after the class

Just completed this class today, weather was perfect no rain. Instructors were great. Took time to demonstrate various methods of getting back on your kayak if you capsize. Would highly recommend this class to anyone who kayaks no matter how much experience you have. Always rooms to learn something new. Thanks to all of the instructors.

Thanks to everyone that came out. We ended up having good weather. I know we had a lot of cancellations last 2nd due to weather so I hope that everyone that signed up gets a chance to practice self rescue before the season opener. It is also a good thing to look into paddle floats to use for rescues for people that use Hobies or anyone with shoulder injuries. Thanks again. I will post the next clinic date soon.

I want to thank Monterey Bay Kayaks for putting on the Free Open Deck Self Rescue Clinic, March 7, 2020. The clinic was well organized and covered several techniques how to flip and reenter my capsized boat as well as other general safety issues and concerns. I brought my Hobie Outback 2020 to the clinic and worn my PFD, VHF marine radio, whistle, and rescue knife. Here are my experience and observations:

I found the Hobie Outback difficult to reach under and use the push-pull technique. The width (34 inches) and weight (85lbs +) made this difficult. I made a DIY flip rope and found it worked as expected, minimal effort and energy needed to flip the boat. Here is the link I used to make my flip rope. I also use this to flip my boat upside down when securing it to the top of my truck camper shell.

Getting back into the boat was a challenge. My lower body seem to want to “swing” beneath the kayak. Getting the body to level out, grasping the edge of the kayak and lifting myself onto the kayak was not as easy as seen on YouTube videos. I found with the radio clipped outside of the PFD got caught on the edge of the kayak and prevented me from lifting my body on the boat. Placing the radio inside the PFD vest pocket made it easier.

I also tried the Paddle Float. I couldn’t get my leg to rest on top the paddle. I think due to the height of the boat, I may have inflated the float with to much air making the paddle rest higher in the water. Not sure, if I am correct, will try again with less air.

Given the difficulties I experienced, Adam suggest I look into Hobie Accessories, “Rescue Step – Kayak.” This looks like it will work for my situation. https://www.hobie.com/parts-and-accessories/?q=rescue%20&hPP=20&idx=ItemGroup&p=0&is_v=1. I’ll schedule another session with MBK when I receive it.

On a personal note, I’d like to thank Carla and Scott for providing one-on-one assistance and guidance. I would recommend to my fellow “sardines” when this clinic become available in the future, to take it. It is worth saving your own life and others OTW.
 

Fantastic application of newfound knowledge. Thank you Elvin!

Hey Elvin,

I am glad you learned some things. Another last ditch effort is to use the paddle float with a stirrup. This anchors the paddle float to the boat and acts like an outrigger. Giving you a step and an outrigger for stability. I can sho you this when you come in next time. Here is a video of what we teach         Just don't forget to attach the paddle float first before you blow up the chambers. Once you try out all the different techniques you will find what works best for you. This method works best if there is a shoulder injury or you are just absolutely exhausted. You should only try each method once or twice max before going on to the next option. You don't want to get to a point where you are just too exhausted to try anything. After talking with one of your instructors just now, the rope that I showed you on the hobie website you will run into the same issues you faced in the class. The stirrup with the paddle float will be the best most stable option

Hi Adam,

Thankyou for your followup. I’ll get the paddle float and stirrup. Do you happen to sell this at MBK?

Hi Adam,

Thankyou for your followup. I’ll get the paddle float and stirrup. Do you happen to sell this at MBK?

Paddlefloat yes. Stirrups you make depending on size of kayak. Better to make it a bit longer. You can always wrap it around the paddle a few more times if it is too long