Kayakers rescued Friday 2/18

[rogersmith]

At least they dont sound like fisherman...:rolleyes:

Kayakers rescued off La Jolla Shores

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By Jen Lebron Kuhney (http://www.signonsandiego.com/staff/jen-lebron-kuhney/)<SCRIPT os_excluded="true"> pv["p.a_3"] = "";</SCRIPT> Friday, February 18, 2011 at 12:04 p.m.
LA JOLLA — Three kayakers (http://topics.signonsandiego.com/topics/Kayak) were rescued Friday morning after high winds (http://topics.signonsandiego.com/topics/Beaufort_scale) and rough ocean conditions pushed them a couple of miles off La Jolla Shores (http://topics.signonsandiego.com/topics/La_Jolla_Shores), said San Diego (http://topics.signonsandiego.com/topics/San_Diego) lifeguards (http://topics.signonsandiego.com/topics/Lifeguard).
A man and a woman, both 25, and a man who worked for a kayak rental company called for help about 11 a.m. (http://topics.signonsandiego.com/topics/12-hour_clock), said lifeguard Lt. John Everhart.
Lifeguards sent two small watercraft to bring the kayakers back to shore safely by 11:40 a.m.
A gale-force warning was issued by the National Weather Service (http://topics.signonsandiego.com/topics/National_Weather_Service) beginning at 1 p.m. on Friday and will be in effect until 7 a.m. Saturday.
Everhart said it is not advisable to take small crafts out on the water until the advisory is lifted.

[onetriphudson]

Is there any attempted strategy for what to do besides paddle your ass off or just hold on tight?!?

Not that many guys carry anchors, but would something like that help?

What about jumping in the water to swim and just tow your kayak? Provided that you are in good shape and have a wetsuit on.

[YakMedic]

Never forget we are at the mercy of the ocean. And those small craft advisory's are no joke.

[Jim Sammons LJKF]

NEVER LEAVE YOUR KAYAK. I guarantee you will wear yourself out in minutes trying to tow it and you are much safer on it getting blown out to see than you are jumping in the water when it is in the 50's.
Then again use some common sense and choose your days wisely and don't over estimate your abilities.

[Jimmyz123]

I second what Jim said. Jumping in the water in, though it's not freezing out, will still cause major problems.

I had the day off from work due to Pinkeye and thought about going out, that thought lasted about 2 minutes and then I remembered what the weather was suppose to be like.

BE SMART people never paddle out if you don't feel that it's safe to do so.

[onetriphudson]

Swimming is not a good option, check! Thanks Jim!

This guy had no choice...

http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/ns_asia/2011-02-17/070072314641.html

Damn those aussies are tough!

[wiredantz]

At least they dont sound like fisherman...:rolleyes:

Kayakers rescued off La Jolla Shores

<SCRIPT os_excluded="true"> pv["p.a_2"] = "Kayakers rescued off La Jolla Shores";</SCRIPT>
By Jen Lebron Kuhney (http://www.signonsandiego.com/staff/jen-lebron-kuhney/)<SCRIPT os_excluded="true"> pv["p.a_3"] = "";</SCRIPT> Friday, February 18, 2011 at 12:04 p.m.
LA JOLLA — Three kayakers (http://topics.signonsandiego.com/topics/Kayak) were rescued Friday morning after high winds (http://topics.signonsandiego.com/topics/Beaufort_scale) and rough ocean conditions pushed them a couple of miles off La Jolla Shores (http://topics.signonsandiego.com/topics/La_Jolla_Shores), said San Diego (http://topics.signonsandiego.com/topics/San_Diego) lifeguards (http://topics.signonsandiego.com/topics/Lifeguard).
A man and a woman, both 25, and a man who worked for a kayak rental company called for help about 11 a.m. (http://topics.signonsandiego.com/topics/12-hour_clock), said lifeguard Lt. John Everhart.
Lifeguards sent two small watercraft to bring the kayakers back to shore safely by 11:40 a.m.
A gale-force warning was issued by the National Weather Service (http://topics.signonsandiego.com/topics/National_Weather_Service) beginning at 1 p.m. on Friday and will be in effect until 7 a.m. Saturday.
Everhart said it is not advisable to take small crafts out on the water until the advisory is lifted.

I check the report 1 hour before i leave home, if it looks good ill go out. If there is any concern about safety i choose to stay home.

[Iceman]

really...........rescued in 12 kt winds?!?!

http://w9if.net/cgi-bin/torreywx/wx_plot.pl?plot_name=speed&plot_file=/var/www/cgi-bin/torreywx/wx.dat&plot_type=1

[dorado50]

BE SMART people never paddle out if you don't feel that it's safe to do so.[/QUOTE]


Dude, thats the problem!!! most kayak people don't know what is safe and what is'nt...da:banghead: Lets keep it real here.

[YakMedic]

12 knots and 15 gusts isn't very significant. At least usually doesn't req a rescue.

[dorado50]

12 knots and 15 gusts isn't very significant. At least usually doesn't req a rescue.


My point exactly.... that didn't take long:doh:

[m1k3midg3]

there was one time where i didnt feel like it was safe to paddle out but did so anyways and it nearly got me killed but i do have to admit it was funner than hell and i would totally do it again. 15 foot waves are AWESOME to try to kayak surf. i had an anchor with me and i wiped out and the anchor line got wrapped round me but i was able to do untangle myself underwater.

[mtnbykr2]

I guess it depends on wether you are paddling or pedaling, but I have been caught in naaaasty off shores, scarrey but doable, and it will wear you down...again be aware of the weather...

[YakMedic]

My point exactly.... that didn't take long:doh:

Really...
My point is that 12 knot winds should not require a rescue. Should you go out in those winds? No, however if you were on the water and the winds came up. Would you require a rescue to get back to shore?

[bigbarrels]

you would think those kayak rental companies would keep a good eye on the current and predicted conditions before taking their clueless customers out:alberteinstein: wonder if they charged extra for the extended tour of La Jolla?

[bus kid]

Really...
My point is that 12 knot winds should not require a rescue. Should you go out in those winds? No, however if you were on the water and the winds came up. Would you require a rescue to get back to shore?

tourist, probably never paddled or peddled a yak. The rental company should have know better. :doh:

the real question is how did they get in contact with the lifeguards, from a post I read, it sounded like that is almost impossible.

hay yakmedic, is it just me or is your kayak sitting low in the water in your avatar, passing wave?

[YakMedic]

hay yakmedic, is it just me or is your kayak sitting low in the water in your avatar, passing wave?[/QUOTE]

Both,
I'm not a little guy, I have a xfactor now also so it rides higher.

[Aaron&Julie]

I tend to agree, that those people were out of their element.
We've had to go 3 miles from the south LJ kelp with a strong downhill current against us, and 15mph+ North winds in our face, to get back to the launch. It probably took us over 2 hours to do it and it was the hardest we ever had to work, but it beats ending up in TJ.
Add-on: we paddled our Fish n Dives using the original paddles that came with our Cobra package. Too short, bad design, and heavier than the Werner 2-piece ones we bought last year.
On the plus note, Julie caught her 1st WSB (30+) in the south kelp area, and I managed to end the long day/paddle with a yellow (30+), once we passed the Condo. Just rewards, but made one helluva workout worthwhile:)

[GregAndrew]

Is there any attempted strategy for what to do besides paddle your ass off or just hold on tight?!?

Not that many guys carry anchors, but would something like that help?

What about jumping in the water to swim and just tow your kayak? Provided that you are in good shape and have a wetsuit on.

An anchor would probably cause more problems than it would be worth. A drift chute on an anchor trolley could help if you had given up on trying to reach shore for a time. The Drift Chute would slow you down, and by positioning it, on the anchor trolley, at the bow or stern you would become less of a sail. There is lots of Bull Kelp, that stretches out a long way from shore, on the South side of LJ that you could possibly tie up to also.

[WahooUSMA]

Really...
My point is that 12 knot winds should not require a rescue. Should you go out in those winds? No, however if you were on the water and the winds came up. Would you require a rescue to get back to shore?

See graph above from Ice!

[RedSledTeam]

As kayakers on the "Big" ocean, we are at the mercy of the elements. Having a good "situational awareness" of everything going on and specifically the weather is always a good plan for your well-being. But there are times that even with the 'best laid plans of mice and men can go awry' and you may get caught in a situation that is out of your control. That is when having a plan "B" landing down or upstream is a very good idea. Depending on your skills and ability, paddleing directly into and against a gale force wind is not a good idea: something/someone's going to give and it ain't mother nature. I would paddle at angles to the wind if at all possible and shoot for the alternate landing spot. But if an emergency situation happens, like if you become a small dot in that BIG, BIG ocean and that feeling of "sincere insignificance" takes over and you feel that you are in a bad way and in fear for your life, then (hopefully you packed your cell phone) by all means call the Coast Guard.

:cool::alberteinstein::afraid::puke:

[old_rookie]

Doing a simple check at weather.com and seeing a weather advisory is enough for me to not go out. Then there was a wind advisory on top of that. How much more of a clue does one need? I agree, the guide from the rental shop should know better.

[peguinpower]

Ive been out there in bad conditions.

Didnt know any better.

Saw water spouts in the horizon and thought "wow, cool!".

Then the wind stopped, and started blowing in the opposite direction.

Real hard, like 50 mph, 70 even.

Coolers full of beer were rolling down the beach.

The wind was so strong, it would twist my torso when it caught the paddle.

I couldnt keep my kayak pointed into the wind.

And when it turned, it made a sound. Whub whub whub!

WTF was that?, I thought, and then it started to tip.

When the wind caught the underside of the kayak, its made another sound.

Whooooosh. Whoooooosh.

And then it flipped.

I was upside down, in the seat, watching my gear hang on their leashes.

I flipped 2 more times in less than 5 minutes.

I thought I was going to die that day.

I'll save you the rest of the story.

The wind is no joke.

Be careful out there.

[YakMedic]

See graph above from Ice!

Look at the time on the chart. It updates. The correct time frame showed 12 knots

[wiredantz]

When i am bymyself i just keep my radio tuned to the weather alert system. I am not taking no chances.

[CurtyL]

what ever happend to common sense? you're tax dollars at work ladies and gents. You don't need a radio, you don't need the internet. All you need is a brain. My vote is for letting those who don't have one, fend for themselves. this shit costs money.

[old_rookie]

what ever happend to common sense? you're tax dollars at work ladies and gents. You don't need a radio, you don't need the internet. All you need is a brain. My vote is for letting those who don't have one, fend for themselves. this shit costs money.

Your brain alone can't see what is going on at the beach or OTW if you live 15 miles from it. Some type of communication with weather info is still needed.

[wiredantz]

what ever happend to common sense? you're tax dollars at work ladies and gents. You don't need a radio, you don't need the internet. All you need is a brain. My vote is for letting those who don't have one, fend for themselves. this shit costs money.


It could be a nice clear day, and then there could be a freak gust wind. You just have to be prepared.

[maui jim]

we paddled our Fish n Dives using the original paddles that came with our Cobra package. Too short, bad design, and heavier than the Werner 2-piece ones we bought last year.

Hey Aron and Julie, I've bee thinking about a new paddle for the Cobra Tan, You like you Werners paddles.:confused:

[CurtyL]

Your brain alone can't see what is going on at the beach or OTW if you live 15 miles from it. Some type of communication with weather info is still needed.


True, but there have been many days I have driven to LJ all geared up, took a look at the conditions - weather swell or clouds on the horizon - and said no thanks.

[CurtyL]

It could be a nice clear day, and then there could be a freak gust wind. You just have to be prepared.

In 8 years of this - I've never encountered a freak gust at LJ. Strong gusts that steadily built up, strong gusts I knew about on launch, winds so strong I had to paddle in to the cliffs at Bird Rock and hug the shoreline back to Shores, freak waves, freak fogs, yes...... but calm days in SD tend to stay that way.

[lterrero]

Is there any attempted strategy for what to do besides paddle your ass off or just hold on tight?!?

Not that many guys carry anchors, but would something like that help?

What about jumping in the water to swim and just tow your kayak? Provided that you are in good shape and have a wetsuit on. I don't think an anchor will help on rough sea and deep waters.

[Aaron&Julie]

Not calling you a liar, but if it was blowing that hard, we would call for help, assuming we had a phone/radio.

Once, in SD Bay, we got towed by a very nice PBer who saw we weren't making any progress. It was only blowing 25+mph. If it was blowing 50-70 we might have ended up fishing the Coronado Islands.



Real hard, like 50 mph, 70 even.

[Aaron&Julie]

we paddled our Fish n Dives using the original paddles that came with our Cobra package. Too short, bad design, and heavier than the Werner 2-piece ones we bought last year.

Hey Aron and Julie, I've bee thinking about a new paddle for the Cobra Tan, You like you Werners paddles.:confused:

We like them a lot. Cost was about $250 each at the OEX in Mission Bay. We like the feel and that they are 2-piece, which we were a little leary about at first. The OEX guy (forget his name) assured us Werner would replace them for any problems we encountered.
Aaron

[Aaron&Julie]

what ever happend to common sense? you're tax dollars at work ladies and gents. You don't need a radio, you don't need the internet. All you need is a brain. My vote is for letting those who don't have one, fend for themselves. this shit costs money.

I hope you're not implying that they should not have been rescued, if they felt that need. Yeah, they were probably bozos for not checking on the weather, over-estimating their ability, or just being plain stupid. But, like others have pointed out, weather is sometimes unpredictable, and the predictions of the weatherman don't always happen that way.
I doubt and sure hope they just didn't think to themselves, "Hey, this shit is tiring, why don't we just call for a tow, and save the workout".
Aaron

[CurtyL]

anchors and kayaks go together like matches and gasoline.

[maui jim]

We like them a lot. Cost was about $250 each at the OEX in Mission Bay. We like the feel and that they are 2-piece, which we were a little leary about at first. The OEX guy (forget his name) assured us Werner would replace them for any problems we encountered.
Aaron

THANKS FOR THE INPUT GUYS.

[peguinpower]

Not calling you a liar, but if it was blowing that hard, we would call for help, assuming we had a phone/radio.

Once, in SD Bay, we got towed by a very nice PBer who saw we weren't making any progress. It was only blowing 25+mph. If it was blowing 50-70 we might have ended up fishing the Coronado Islands.

Its called a squall. A sudden violent gust of wind. Lookit up.

We were trying to land when it hit, and it blew us more than a mile parallel to the beach. It lasted no more than 15 minutes before we were able to get on the sand paddling chest down and drfiting sideways. Surfers dragged us up the shore when we landed. They had seen us getting blown away and had already called rescue. My own radio, a uniden got fried that day. Never reached for it as i was trying to stay alive. When i popped my head above the water, the wind would fill my eyes, ears and nose with water. I heard later That a pb hailed for rescue in the bay that day as well. Crazy weather. From then on, waterspouts and lightning in the horizon means im getting off the water.

But if you dont believe me, thats cool.

[monkeyfishturds]

peguinpower, i fish in malibu. at least once every winter they clock offshore winds between 50 and 90 mph. crazy stuff! it's foolish to go out when they're calling for bad weather. even if it was only 15 mph, those beginners where unable to paddle back to shore. the guide should have known beginners might not be able to paddle against winds 15 and above.
beginners have no idea what wind speed they can handle. it's all new to them.

[peguinpower]

peguinpower, i fish in malibu. at least once every winter they clock offshore winds between 50 and 90 mph. crazy stuff! it's foolish to go out when they're calling for bad weather. even if it was only 15 mph, those beginners where unable to paddle back to shore. the guide should have known beginners might not be able to paddle against winds 15 and above.
beginners have no idea what wind speed they can handle. it's all new to them.

Thats where it happened. Ive heard that the canyons funnel the wind from the valley and given the right circumstance, you get what we got that day. Afterburner winds.

It wasnt like we were fishing in high winds. We just found ourselves in that situation all of a sudden. Our biggest mistake was taking pictures of the lightning and water spouts in the horizon, thinking it was cool since it was headed parallel to us. Not. Doh!

[Aaron&Julie]

Its called a squall. A sudden violent gust of wind. Lookit up.

We were trying to land when it hit, and it blew us more than a mile parallel to the beach. It lasted no more than 15 minutes before we were able to get on the sand paddling chest down and drfiting sideways. Surfers dragged us up the shore when we landed. They had seen us getting blown away and had already called rescue. My own radio, a uniden got fried that day. Never reached for it as i was trying to stay alive. When i popped my head above the water, the wind would fill my eyes, ears and nose with water. I heard later That a pb hailed for rescue in the bay that day as well. Crazy weather. From then on, waterspouts and lightning in the horizon means im getting off the water.

But if you dont believe me, thats cool.

I was just saying, if I had a phone or radio, I'd call for help in that case. We usually don't carry either, so we'd be screwed. Don't take it personal.

[CurtyL]

Not calling you a liar, but if it was blowing that hard, we would call for help, assuming we had a phone/radio.

Once, in SD Bay, we got towed by a very nice PBer who saw we weren't making any progress. It was only blowing 25+mph. If it was blowing 50-70 we might have ended up fishing the Coronado Islands.

could it have been the tide? fighting a tide plus wind in the bay is a straight up b*tch. comparing wind conditions in the bays to LJ is like comparing apples to oranges.