Participating were:
Some of us started by playing in the anemic surf, then transitioned to braces, rolls, re-entry rolls, paddle float re-entries, cowboy re-entries, etc. Duane had us concentrate a lot of effort on paddle float entries, because he felt that they are a good last ditch backup even for advanced paddlers with a great repertoire of fancy rescue maneuvers. After doing seven consecutively, one of the valves fell off my Gaia paddle float and immediately vanished in the sea, negating my long-standing efforts to clean up the ocean. Decades from now, dolphins will be still choking on that purple valve.
The paddle float slipped off, and I was dumped unceremoniously into the Pacific. Next time, I won't take the shortcut of not tying the float on. The double chambered float still functioned at a reduced level with one missing valve. I guess I shouldn't complain, since I used it for an estimated 250 days before it failed. I estimate it was actually deployed about 30 times, including twice for real.
We did assisted rescues, including the "T-rescue" and side-assisted re-entries.
We discussed group rescue strategies, since there are different approaches and advance consensus saves time and mistakes in the heat of battle. High winds and breaking waves are a common occurrence in the northern Channel Islands where we'll be touring, so we want to be well-prepared for emergencies.
We also practiced "all-in" rescues and various towing maneuvers. We need to get more people to paddle with throw ropes or tow ropes. Not everyone had a bow line either.
Most of the participants could do one or more of the following: rolls, re-entry rolls, cowboy entry.
A few people seemed a little rusty, but all were up to a good skill level by the close of the session. Duane "certified**" all of us as rescue-trained for the trip. We banded together to demand: diplomas suitable for framing, web site declarations and Microsoft certificates to verify it.
Bizarre event of the day: John Peterson and I were practicing rescues. Somehow, he hooked on to a fouled length of monofilament fishing line, which got caught in his deck rigging. He pulled it up and found at the end a fish hook, with a small live shark latched on to it! A great time was had by all, as Mike Brown supplied a Leatherman tool and Darwin Duane Strosaker showed off his fishcraft by disengaging the shark and returning it to the sea, to prey upon slower kayakers!
Casualties: Diane hit her rib on something and was still smarting when I last saw her. My paddle float was KIA after 3 years. My new Current Designs Extreme has a leak in the forward compartment. I noticed a significant weight imbalance when porting my boat back to the car. Opening the hatch revealed 2 inches of water. Mike did not receive any broken bones, lacerations, concussions, or other traumas.
Afterward, we retired to the Lighthouse Cafe to pig out on the specials. I wonder why I'm having trouble losing weight? We discussed the events of the day and planned future events.
** Warning: none of us is a certified trainer, nor offers any formal training
or certifications, although we have taken lessons. We practice to maintain
and improve our skills, as you should. For formal, professional training,
please contact one of our qualified advertising sponsors on www.ckf.org
Regards,
George Miller
Directions:
Picture
of Cabrillo Beach
Take 101, 10, 405 or PCH (1), to 110 South (Harbor Freeway), all the way to the end.
Exit left on Gaffey, South to 22nd Street, left (East) to Pacific,
right (South) to 36th Street (AKA Stephen M. White Drive), left (East) and follow signs to Cabrillo Beach.
Pay admission--Car fee was $7.00 as of 13 July 2003. Proceed into park, staying to the right and going around the buildings. You will proceed on a causeway, with the bay on the left and the ocean on the right.
For ocean launch, park in a lot, on the right, past the lifeguard office. For bay launch, stay left when you enter the park, then park in the big lot, where you can see the bay to your right.
Submitted on June 13, 2003