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Sea Kayaks Techniques Bulletin Board
SOT info *Pic*
Posted By: Craig Bumgarner In Response To: Sit On Top vs. Standard & Safety (Craig Bumgarner)
Date: Thursday, 12 October 2000, at 10:44 a.m.
I emailed Ventura Surfski and Vince replied with the following info on SOT self rescue on long, narrow (18'-20' x 18"-20") SOT boats they make (See picture below). Vince says:
"Like the ancient Polynesian outrigger canoes, surf skis are made to paddle open
waters. The concept of self rescue in a unsinkable boat is rooted in surf
culture. The surf ski was originally a Life Guards rescue craft. The more
rigging the board required the longer the board got. Eventually the board
grew a seat and the Life Guard picked up a kayak paddle to punch through the
surf. Many of the techniques used today come from board surfing.A cockpit or spray skirt was never needed in the warm tropic waters. Today,
there are many fabrics that allow us to paddle water as cold as it can gets.
The surf ski has continued to gain popularity because of its safety
advantages. Although you may Eskimo roll a surf ski with optional knee
straps, it may be quicker and easier to climb on board."Self Rescue ala Vince:
If your find yourself in the water, never let go of your boat and paddle. We always recommend using a paddle leash because there is usually no room for a spare paddle. Attach your paddle leash to the peddles bungie eyelet. If you don't use a leash you will never let go of your paddle more than once. Loosing your paddle is often a rookie mistake and can be dangerous.
While in the water reach both hands, and paddle, over the deck. Pull yourself up over the deck directly in front of the seat were your thighs, water bottle holder or side handles would be. Pull yourself up onto the deck so that your sternum (center of gravity) lines up with the area around your water bottle holder. You should be laying on the deck perpendicular to the boat. If you go slowly, you are less likely to make a mistake. It is possible to stay in this position for as long as you need to.
Next, simultaneously throw your leg over the back deck, like mounting a horse, and put one hand on each side rail of your surf ski. The rail is the decked area between the seat and the peddles. Keep your shoulders low. This is when most people fail to execute their self rescue. You can lay down with your shoulders on the deck with both feet in the water and your paddle held against boat. Keep your shoulders low until you are sure that if you sit up, your butt will drop into the seat. If you lift your shoulders and find your butt is not falling into the seat, immediately drop your shoulders back onto the deck again and scoot yourself forward or aft to align your butt over the seat. Once you have your butt in the seat you can regain your composure while leaving your feet in the water. Lift your feet when you are ready to paddle.
Don't be intimidated by this process. This technique can be done in less than 4 seconds by a pro and can be learned quickly with a bit of preventive practice.
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Sea Kayaks Techniques Bulletin Board is maintained by Nick Schade - Guillemot Kayaks with WebBBS 5.12.
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