video rescue

[Iceman]

I would bet that I would have launched. This wind was not supposed to come up until late morning. The glider showed 10 kts of wind at 5AM after blowing 15, it would appear to be a good morning lull. Unfortunately it turned on like a switch at 25 to 30 kts with gusts to 45 in an hours time. Paddling out after it got this bad is no doubt stupid, but getting caught out in it is just unfortunate. I am glad all are safe, some times little mistakes made public can save lives in the future. Imagine if these winds were Sanata Ana, that is scary!

[Dean Machine]

Originally Posted by Iceman

I am glad all are safe, some times little mistakes made public can save lives in the future. Imagine if these winds were Sanata Ana, that is scary!

Yes, I have heard plenty of stories about the Santa Ana winds and kayaking. That's pretty scary stuff. These stories need to be heard.

It would be nice to see a sticky thread on the general discussion board related to these types of stories.

[Iceman]

For the finger pointers, the day prior I launched at 4:45 and see no reason I would not have done so on Tuesday.




I would say it was a slow news day with a little sensationalism thrown in to swirl the pot. The LG and CG likely saw it as a good opportunity to dust off their boots and went above and beyond what was needed. How were thay to know all were accounted for. The one guy was brought to the hospital as a precaution only. Experienced guys that got caught out there worked together and watched out for others. Take out the one kayaker that probably should not have been out there at all (alone) and there really is no news story.

[Dean Machine]

Originally Posted by Dean Machine

These stories need to be heard.

Not trying to point fingers by any means, just saying that stories of close calls would benefit alot of yakkers. This story has been told as far as I can tell by everyone that was there. The team work shown by all that were out there was great. The guys were practically to the shore when the lifeguards jumped in and would have easily made it. I agree with Andy, the news was slow and it was a good opp. for the rescuers to get some training in. One never knows when it will matter though. I definitely would not expect those guys to just sit on shore and watch those guys come in on their own. If I were them I would have felt some obligation to help out. Yes, the wind was tricky as it came up really quick that morning just like the charts show.

[Quilted Germ]

I'm more of a Johnny Rotten guy, but Squidvicious is an all time classic moniker...gotta love it.

[Jim Sammons LJKF]

The thing is Andy, and I said this in the other thread, there were guys launching at 5:30 when the wind was already really blowing hard.
All of us that have spent a lot of time out there have been caught out in the wind. A few years ago Nelz gave me and my puking client a tow in when a sudden unpredicted Santa Ana came through. Thanks again Nelz. I was towing my client in when he offered his help.
The thing is basic rules should always apply, never paddle out farther than you can paddle back, IN BAD WEATHER. And if the wind is blowing at 5:00 in the morning chances are it will only get worse not better.
Good thing this was an onshore wind and thank god things didn't end worse.

[Fiskadoro]

Originally Posted by Iceman

I would bet that I would have launched. This wind was not supposed to come up until late morning.

I hear that!!

I was watching the weather and thinking about a trip down, after a 2 hour drive down with the conditions at 4:30AM I would of gone out for sure. The only reason I didn't come down was the wind came up early, up here, and I've been sick.

I'll tell you one thing as soon as it started to blow though I would of headed in, as it was projected to blow later in the morning, and I knew it was coming.

One thing I might add. When it get's really rough I stow all my gear and then attach not only a leash to my paddle, but also a lanyard from myself to the yak so if I end up in the water I won't loose the yak or paddle.

Additionally I keep my radio in my life vest pocket so If I do have to call for help I don't have to open a hatch to get my radio.

Open a hatch and loose the cover and your completely screwwed in those conditions. When it gets rough I want a clean deck with no distractions so I con concentrate on staying in the yak and paddling home.
Just my take though.

Jim

[radastaff]

Originally Posted by Jim Day

I hear that!!

I was watching the weather and thinking about a trip down, after a 2 hour drive down with the conditions at 4:30AM I would of gone out for sure. The only reason I didn't come down was the wind came up early, up here, and I've been sick.

I'll tell you one thing as soon as it started to blow though I would of headed in, as it was projected to blow later in the morning, and I knew it was coming.

One thing I might add. When it get's really rough I stow all my gear and then attach not only a leash to my paddle, but also a lanyard from myself to the yak so if I end up in the water I won't loose the yak or paddle.

Additionally I keep my radio in my life vest pocket so If I do have to call for help I don't have to open a hatch to get my radio.

Open a hatch and loose the cover and your completely screwwed in those conditions. When it gets rough I want a clean deck with no distractions so I con concentrate on staying in the yak and paddling home.
Just my take though.

Jim

i was also glued to the weather reports
and why i didnt nake the trip down

also
i wont launch with winds in excess of about 10-15knts in the morning
figuring it would just get stronger later

if it happens while iam already out
well
ive been known to be escorted by CG
not that was in any trouble
hiding out tied off to kelp in cove at the time

radio on vest or on person
is important
also
that its really waterproof

good idea to leash everything
prob is
u can get caught up in the leashes
when or if u tip
and it can make it harder to get back into ure boat
specially of ure cold and tired allready
still
i leash everything
even my vhf to my lifevest


being out in 50mph+ wind
is scary shit indeed
and somthing i hope to never repeat again
thankfully me and a friend were close to shore when it hit
(few years ago)
thats when i came to trust my prowler(pfd and paddle)
with my life
(and be very wary of small craft advisories)