Last week, Saturday, July 18, I headed over to Batchelor Bay in West Vancouver to see if I could still perform a kayak self- and assisted rescue. It’s been a few years since I last kayaked, so all the more important to get comfortable and familiar again with my boat and re-entry methods .
Having arrived early, I was happy to see a local couple going for a dip in regular bathing attire; they seemed happily refreshed but not cold afterwards, so I figured I should be OK in my wetsuit.
There were supposed to be four participants for this session, but two unfortunately (for them) had to cancel last minute, so Alison and I enjoyed a private training session with Peter. After reviewing a few safety videos of different re-entry techniques we did a dry-run on land, then headed into the water to practice for real. Since there were only two of us we had plenty of time to practice various the techniques and get some detailed coaching.
It was a good session: the rain had stopped before the session starteed, the water was warm, Peter a patient coach, and Alison a fun fellow participant.
I have always been a big believer in practicing rescues at the start of each season and very much appreciate SKABC offering these sessions. Somehow practicing on my own time with friends never quite works out, yet practicing rescues is an important part of staying safe on the water.
So on behalf of Alison and myself, I want to send a big thank-you to Peter for offering up his Saturday morning, and to the whole SKABC executive for all the work you do behind the scenes to keep the trips and training sessions going. Know that is very much appreciated! See you on the water!
