Best way for an OC1 or 2 to help a surfski paddler in distress?
Susan DeBari 07/17/22 #32041

When Julie and I were paddling at the Gorge on a very windy afternoon (Wednesday) we came up to a gal on a surfski who had dumped. Another OC2 was helping her, so we stood back and waited as backup. One of the OC pair was in the water helping stabilize her boat as she got back in. She started paddling down the river, and we got the thumbs up from the rescuing OC2 as they paddled away. But she looked wobbly, and then fell in again. And I realized that I don't really have a rescue plan for someone else. I was not going to go in the water to stabilize her boat. And the only way I can lean in my OC2 is Ama-side which doesn't do any good because I wouldn't be able to reach to stabilize her boat. We passed by her, and another surfski came in to help and they seemed like they knew what they were doing.

In retrospect I think I could have gone downwind of her, and offered the ama to help stabilize her while she tried to remount. But then I heard a story that one of you Whatcom paddlers once said “don't touch my ama” during a crisis situation.
Towing her on the back of the OC2 for the last mile or two before a landing spot was not an option as I think that would have put Julie and I in danger (big waves and wind).

So I'd like to hear opinions from OC paddlers - what would you do in that situation? Have you been in a helper position? What worked? What didn't?

Sue

Reivers Dustin 07/18/22 #32052

Intelligent question. A surfskier in trouble is really a challenge. I've had best results holding the nose of the surfski (“T-rescue) while the paddler gets back in. But that will only work if the paddler in trouble can manage themselves pretty well. And it takes a lot of strength to hold the surfski. I had to lock the nose with my elbow around the boat and use both hands. This was with a paddle leash so it's been quite a long time ago. And this means I'm leaning over so far that I'm feet out, legs wrapped on my boat and using the loose boat for floatation. Our Deep-Cove buddies have some awesome video of this method.

I can't imagine this working well for any OC boat. Doing any rescue with boats lined up alongside makes both vulnerable - higher skill levels required by all.

Often I've been able to talk to the paddler in trouble enough so that they work themselves back in shape. Most common problem is rushing the re-entry. People get tired and flustered and lose large muscle skills.

At this stage I'm not sure I have the skill to actually physically help anyone. I was a stout young laddy last time I did any of that stuff. I give you high credit for being very cautious. There are usually some high achievers around that can do more than myself.

rd

Kimberly Reeves 07/18/22 #32054

I’ve tucked the bow of the surfski under my front i’ako and then tried to steady the ski…but not in Gorge waves…you get tossed around too much.
On Tuesday we came upon a paddler that couldn’tremount in his ski. Of course he said he was okay…he wasn’t. I tried to get the double close to him, but it wasn’t gonna work. Finally I said to him that maybe he needed to swim to shore… he was maybe 100m from Bob’s. He finally remounted but according to Hilburn, the guy swam a few more times that day.