Impromptu Ocean Swim - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

dorado50 · 11-23-2011, 07:13 PM

Kayak laying broadside to swell will become unstable once center of balance(your butt) is altered or shifted. Kayaking 101!! Turning yak into swell or down swell when shifting weight(balance) will help compensate when reaching around...

kobra · 11-23-2011, 07:38 PM

You also need to be aware of your surroundings at all times. If a big swell tries to sneak up on you you can be ready for it, especially if you are reaching for something behind you.

james92026 · 11-23-2011, 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kobra

You also need to be aware of your surroundings at all times. If a big swell tries to sneak up on you you can be ready for it, especially if you are reaching for something behind you.

Good point! and I think that is exactly what happened. I had not been drifting very long at all and therefore had not acclimated myself to rhthym e.t.c. of the swells. I simply turned to retrieve the rod as I have always done, not even much of a move at all and WHAM! Maybe had I sat there for a bit and got a feel for what was happening I would not have been taken by surprize. Thinking back, I did notice the swells getting heavier as I left the harbor. I would notice floating pelicans completely dissappear. As long as I was moving, it did not seem to matter much and I navigated through the swells head on much like I used to do in a power boat anticipating the rythym and going in sync with it. Heck, I was even getting "comfortable" and therefore the problem presented itself.

Amish Ed · 11-23-2011, 10:30 PM

Personally, I've had a lot of yaks. My Navigator was the most unstable out of them all. Plus, I've seen lots of Navigator owners flip. But, that's just my experiences. Glad you're ok and the boat was close. Definitely take some time to practice self-rescue.

bigbarrels · 11-23-2011, 10:38 PM

wow, glad you made out O.k. and that you had your PFD on.......thanks for sharing

jorluivil · 11-23-2011, 11:00 PM

Glad you're ok.

When I bought my first kayak I practiced righting the kayak in about 30' and let me tell, after the third time I was done and I wasn't wearing all the gear that you were. I never imagined that it would be so hard to right a tossed kayak, add all the gear and you've got your work cut out for you.

roby · 11-24-2011, 02:20 AM

Glad you made it okay....

I agree with all the great advice given already.

Just one more thing - when you turn back to get a rod, don't just reach back and get the rod. Completely turn sideways and get the rods so your legs are sticking in the water.

11-23-2011, 10:30 PM	#4
Amish Ed Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Grants Pass, OR Posts: 1,906	Personally, I've had a lot of yaks. My Navigator was the most unstable out of them all. Plus, I've seen lots of Navigator owners flip. But, that's just my experiences. Glad you're ok and the boat was close. Definitely take some time to practice self-rescue. __________________ Amish Ed You can't catch it again if it's dead!

11-23-2011, 10:38 PM	#5
bigbarrels Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Vista Posts: 1,111	wow, glad you made out O.k. and that you had your PFD on.......thanks for sharing __________________ The shorter you are, the bigger your fish appear

11-23-2011, 11:00 PM	#6
jorluivil Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 6,856	Glad you're ok. When I bought my first kayak I practiced righting the kayak in about 30' and let me tell, after the third time I was done and I wasn't wearing all the gear that you were. I never imagined that it would be so hard to right a tossed kayak, add all the gear and you've got your work cut out for you. __________________ www.facebook.com/Teamsewer

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11-23-2011, 07:13 PM	#1
dorado50 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: La Jolla Shores Posts: 1,626	Kayak laying broadside to swell will become unstable once center of balance(your butt) is altered or shifted. Kayaking 101!! Turning yak into swell or down swell when shifting weight(balance) will help compensate when reaching around...

11-23-2011, 07:38 PM	#2
kobra Senior Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: oceanside Posts: 880	You also need to be aware of your surroundings at all times. If a big swell tries to sneak up on you you can be ready for it, especially if you are reaching for something behind you.

11-24-2011, 02:20 AM	#7
roby CEO of Team Roby Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 905	Glad you made it okay.... I agree with all the great advice given already. Just one more thing - when you turn back to get a rod, don't just reach back and get the rod. Completely turn sideways and get the rods so your legs are sticking in the water.