It's that time of year again...
"When was the last time I practiced a rescue?"
That might be the second, or maybe even the third thing that pops into your mind while standing on the beach looking at dynamic conditions, or just after you click Submit on one of our amazing 2026 trips.
Fear not!
Many of our amazing SKABC trip leaders also host unofficial rescue practice sessions at no cost to members. One of those sessions was held this past Saturday out of Batchelor Bay in West Vancouver.
The day's training was led by Maureen Benzon, Klaus Boedker, and Peter Kearney. Each is an outstanding instructor in their own right, and together they created a fantastic chain of knowledge, experience, and encouragement.
The day's focus included:
Assisted rescues
Assisted rescues for an injured paddler
Solo rescues
...with plenty of discussion after each exercise about what worked well and what we could all improve for next time.
Once everyone was ready and the instructors gave the all-clear, we let the bodies hit the water in every possible situation.
Fast. Slow. Graceful. Awkward.
If there was a way to end up swimming, someone probably demonstrated it.
While watching everyone practice, I couldn't help but notice something.
Rescue practice, rolling practice, and karaoke actually have a lot in common.
In all three, you step in front of a crowd and perform a skill you're still learning. That's not easy. It takes courage to put yourself out there when you're outside your comfort zone.
Sometimes you nail it.
Sometimes... you don't.
Maybe your rescue takes four attempts. Maybe your roll becomes an unexpected wet exit. Maybe you forget the words to your favourite song.
But just like karaoke, the crowd isn't hoping you'll fail.
They're cheering for you.
Every successful rescue, every failed rescue, every laugh, and every lesson learned makes the entire group stronger.
So if you've been sitting on the fence about joining one of our rescue practice sessions...
Fear not.
We'll cheer just as loudly when you're upside down underwater as we will when you're safely back in your kayak.
See you on the water.
