[Tyronne L’Hirondelle]

Do you know what color it is, or any other identifying information?

how are people marking their kayaks? BC Drives licence engraved somewhere?

what other ways are people using?

[Former Member]

A friend had his 17′ red Delta kayak stolen from Hollyburn Sailing Club sometime around September 7.  The thieves cut the cable lock and carried the kayak out of the compound – some nerve.  No surveillance video, as kid’s activities at the club preclude it.  If anyone hears of such a boat for sale, please drop me a line.  Thanks.

[Roland Stefani]

I had forgotten about the Newton Wave pool practice session that Bob Maher mentioned.  But that had to be well over 10 years ago.  It was after my experience at that wave pool session that I got the idea of rough water rescue practice because I was dissatisfied afterward:   Honestly, I found doing self-rescue in the wave pool just as easy as doing it in flat water.   That was a surprise.  The experience left me wondering what it would be like in real world conditions:  cold water, fierce wind, white caps, etc.   Rather than risk learning about that in a real world experience that I might not survive,  the idea of doing rough water practice with safeguards logically followed.

Mike Gilbert asks: “Very few are skilled enough to be on the water in conditions requiring immediate action by Coast Guard.  Why would you want to be out there in the first place?”.    Exactly my point, though I am not suggesting the practice in hurricane like conditions (more below)!  Rather few are experienced  and that is exactly why a rough water practice session is needed.   Why go out unprepared or untested if we have options?

Part of the Coast Guard’s mandate is public education on water safety.    So I doubt the Coast Guard would not be willing to consider participating in a well-constructed proposal from SKABC..

It’s not that we would place people in a dangerous situation that is certain to require action by the Coast Guard.    I am confident we have leadership skill sets in SKABC that can address the on rough water challenges.  I don’t actually believe the coast guard will be needed to do an actual rescue with any high probability.  As always safety would be a priority and practice leaders would have the discretion up to the last minute of calling the event off if it just too fierce out there.   As well, I’m sure the leaders would test the concept on water themselves before offering it to the general membership.   Rather, the intend as I propose it is primarily for the Coast Guard to be on watch, firstly, to bail us out if a self or assisted rescue runs into trouble beyond the capabilities of the leaders to handle (unlikely).  Second, to provide feedback and suggestion for improvement.

I do believe we do need to wait for storm warning or big wind warning, otherwise it could be a wasted effort.    Every time I’ve kayaked Lighthouse, it’s been very mild.   The month of October or November is probably a good time to do it.

[Debra Merchant]

BC Rivers Day and World Rivers Day: September 25

We are two weeks away from a significant environmental event and one that is largely home-grown by Mark Angelo and the Outdoor Recreation Council of BC some 42 years ago. There are lots of events planned and I encourage you to look at  https://www.orcbc.ca/bc-rivers-day  for various activities on September 25 to support Rivers Day. Ideas for our own event are welcome also!

 

 

 

 

[Kapila Jayaweera]

I am planning to do rolling practice at Sasmat lake tomorrow morning.

Meet up 9:30am at white Pine beach parking lot F, then use kayak carts to carry to the beach.

Usual practice time is about two to three hours or till I get tired.

Coordinates are (49.32630912976036, -122.88562416505222)

Bring Kayak cart, wet or dry suit. Gloves, toque, goggles, nose plugs are optional.

Recommended for paddlers have some exposure to rolling or rolling exercises before.

If anyone likes to come and do rescue practice on the side are also welcome. I am not a qualified instructor to teach rolling or rescue however this could be an opportunity to practice what you have already learn.

Please posted on this forum or email me if you are coming.

Thanks

Kapila_j@hotmail.com

[Former Member]

Hi Binny

I’m interested in this pair of J racks if they are still available.

Thank you very much

Joanne Ironside

778 227 6651

[Admin S. Jensen]

The Fall Fling is this weekend and the weather forecast is great! As of today there are spots for paddles from Cates Park to Thwaytes Landing (2C), Twin Islands (2B), Raccoon Island (2B), and also Shoreline to Deep Cove (2A). Starting times are staggered so we all finish up at 4pm for the picnic. Come out for a paddle, the pizza dinner, or both. Details are on the website — log in to find out more and sign up.

 

[Former Member]

Fold down J-racks.  Super easy to install on roof rack bars and very secure.  Does not include any tie down straps.

Text 604-374-5879 or reply to this posting if interested.

More info and pics can be found online at:

BowDown

[Former Member]

Plywood and carpet kayak stand that elevates your kayak for cleaning or repair.  It can also be used to store your kayak indoors.  Stand comes apart for storage.

Text 604-374-5879 or replay to this post if you are interested.

[Mike Gilbert]

My thoughts:
1.  The members of SKABC do not need to practice in rough water as proposed.   Very few are skilled enough to be on the water in conditions requiring immediate action by Coast Guard.  Why would you want to be out there in the first place?
2.   It is very doubtful the Coast Guard would consider being included in such a practice.
3.  You do not need to wait for storm warnings or big winds.  The waters off Lighthouse Park and / or Porteau Cove are known for their afternoon winds and higher sea state.  Just use what you find.  They will almost always be bigger than anything the club’s members normally practice in for doing wet exits and re-entries.
4.   If a club function be sure the lead instructor and any assistants have practiced and are confident in doing solo and assisted re-entires in bigger conditions and know what they are doing.  Otherwise there is huge risk to people getting hurt.
5.  Why would you look to bring someone like Gordon Brown over from the Island to do this when there are as capable instructors right here in the Lower Mainland?

[Heather Harbord]

A combination of the two suggestions above would be fantastic.  Someone should try to contact Gordon Brown if he’s still here, and see if he would run the one off Lighthouse Point.

[Bob Maher]

Roland,

Several years ago SKABC held a Rescue Session at the newton Wave Pool in Surrey. There was an attendant who regulated the wave speed and size for us. There were also two Life Guards on duty. Everyone who attended was able to do several Wet Exits, Self Rescues and Assisted Rescues.

It wasn’t the real thing but very close and the Waves gave everyone a real challenge. Something to think about.

 

Bob Maher

 

[Peter Kearney]

Kudos for writing up your experience in detail. I think your first bullet point in the ‘lessons learned’ is key. But that decision making process for ‘go or no go’ can be the most difficult one to make when the factors are not clear cut.

The club library would have the 2 classics on this with the ‘Deep Trouble’ books by Matt Broze.

 

Always nice to be able to learn from a close call.

 

Cheers, Peter

 

[Roland Stefani]

The recent capsize experience posted by Roberto Dominguez, prompts me to forward the following idea for discussion.

For years I’ve had the idea that there should be a self rescue practice session in actual rough waters.   Such a session would be dependent on the existence of storm warnings and high winds in the weather forecast!    The location would be off Lighthouse Park and it should be planned in advance with the agreed cooperation of the Coast Guard who would present in case assistance is needed.   Obviously such an event is weather dependent and would involve short notice and pre-planning.   Perhaps someone in the club will take the initiative on this.

[Quirine Schuyff]

Thank you for sharing this. It is never too late to learn! Even better if we can learn from others before hand but generally it needs to be learned first hand for it to really sink in.

[Author]

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