Impromptu Ocean Swim

[james92026]

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]

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]

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

[jorluivil]

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]

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.

[james92026]

Originally Posted by roby

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.

Yes, good advice. I guess it was a combination of things. Sitting broadside to the swells is not a whole lot different than being turned sideways in a surf landing. Had I had any previous experience, I would have instinctively grabbed the paddle and slapped down as a brace. I learned that even a slight shift in body position can have a profound effect. The recovery would have been a lot easier with suitable clothing. I am thinking chest wader as my least expensive option. I assume that nowadays they are fairly light weight material and priced starting at $100 from what I have seen. I did in fact look at some, but the sizes available did not seem right, ex: the large was okay but the stocking size only went up to 11 (I need a 12), the extra large had chest size of 51 which seems much too big for me. Normally I wear a 42 or 44 jacket. or maybe the chest size would not make that much difference as there would be a belt cinched anyway. what say you guys?

[taggermike]

Glad you're ok and thanks for posting. Many kayakers have never practiced righting and getting back on their kayaks. The time to learn how to do this is not while you're alone and far from land. Try it in a pool or calm water. It's not too hard. This also gives you a feel for just how far your kayak can tip befor it goes all the way. You don't need to understand primary vs secondary stability, just get a feel for your kayak. And they're all different, so try it with every new kayak you get. If you're in a safe place messing around and tipping your yak is kinda fun. Mike