Flooded Rec kayak rescue - brutal
Posted by: Jaybabina
on Feb-08-13 9:26 AM (EST)
-- Last Updated: Feb-08-13 9:29 AM EST --
I know a lot of good paddlers read this but have you ever tried to do a flooded rec kayak rescue.? It is virtually 1 notch over impossible - brutal. I've done plenty at symposiums and once that boat filis with water and you have a totally out-of-shape paddler trying to mount the boat, it can tip and re-fill with water etc. It weighs a ton to dump and has a high seat back stabbing the paddler in any attempt to get back in.
I don't care what rating you are or how many stars you have it is super tough.
One time we had a large women capsize and the boat flooded. The paddlers (all trained and strong) trying to get her back in without flooding the boat and we gave up and rafted up and had her laying across our back decks. The third paddler towed us in. And on shore are vendors selling these things with no flotation and the nose of the boat is just visible above the surface.