[Mike Gilbert]

I was asked to put this topic up on the Forum for either discussion, information or, simply, to just think about.

We would all like to be able to get out paddling with safety in mind.  That means not catching anything that is Covid nor infecting anyone else with it.  I believe all of us are mature and responsible enough to understand that if we are feeling down and showing any possible symptoms of Covid we just excuse ourselves from participating and keep the curve flattening.

But if we feel great and can say “No” to all the restrictive Covid protocols (not travelled; not in contact with anyone who has travelled; etc.), we would like to begin getting out there now that many places, including municipal, provincial and federal parks, are beginning to open up.

One of my responsibilities as one of Paddle Canada’s senior instructors has been to go through our many programs (in my case, sea kayaking) and see where the difficulties might be for instructors and students / guides and tourists while on tour or taking a course relative to Covid protocols.  Once determined, it is then our focus to see what are the options.

Whether it is on a course, touring or just out for a paddle with friends, the possibility of tipping and going over into the water is always real.  And so this is what we would like to focus on for this topic.  The idea here is to be able to safely and successfully know how to to an assisted rescue while still maintaining a 6 foot social distance if at all possible.

Several Paddle Canada Instructors and Instructor Trainers have taken on this challenge and I know of at least 3 videos that have been created as a result – all showing different options depending on ability and sea state.  Have a look at them then go out and practice.  I have attached the links for ease of access.

The first video is Mike Gilbert and Mike McHolm demonstrating their trial and error efforts. Please note the first two methods that they demonstrate did not work. The third and fourth method did, but here I would like to put in a word of caution that you need to be mindful that you could snap your paddle doing either of these two methods, so practice with a cheap paddle, or wooden Greenland paddle. None of these methods have yet been tested in dynamic water.

The second video is an effort between Jericho Beach and Deep Cove kayak. The two methods here seem to work well, but they have yet to be tested in dynamic water.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gIbnfGjTJdw&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR2diWH5Vs6xi6pwOUcMvW8oQcgMK9_BzpVHBWz8ft42OsFcSxofYLWY8Gw

The third video is posted by Dave Dreves Kayak and involves using a stirrup or rope. This lends a better degree of stability as it is holding the two kayaks together. However, this would take a minute longer to set up, and also has not been tested in dynamic water.

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=187593812402999&external_log_id=5cf1c82013897c0183e74cfcd024844b&q=west%20beach%20paddle

There are also some senior instructors within the club who have also done some experimentation on their own or with others.  If you have the chance to get out with any of them before going too far on paddle trips I would highly recommend you do that.

[Mick Allen]

another one [but the big HV model] for $2200:

https://vancouver.craigslist.org/nvn/boa/d/bowen-island-kayak-nimbus-telkwa-hv/7134731747.html

[Former Member]

Hi Allan,

 

Yes still looking. Would appreciate the lead.

 

Thanks

 

 

[Former Member]

John – let me know if you are still looking. I can send you to a friend who has one she may be willing to part with.

[Former Member]

Boo. I hope you get out on the water soon. It’s good for the soul.

[Former Member]

Thanks for that info Peter. I will wait until Canada day and see if it goes on sale.

[Yekaterina Yushmanova]

Hi Alicia,

Current Designs boat is for medium/large paddle – it will be too big and heavy for you. Look for boats that are designed for smaller/medium size paddler.

Seaward infinity is more of day trip boat, 15′ is not a great boat for overnight trips. Also the reviews are not great for this boat.

Katya

 

[Former Member]

Thank you Yekaterina. I saw the ad last night and have emailed your friend.

[Yekaterina Yushmanova]

Hi John, a friend just posted one for sale on craiglist in Victoria. Let me know if you want me to connect you.

[Peter Kearney]

Hi John,

I paid around $800 for the Emperor. Great value!  I also picked up their rope tows, cockpit covers, a spray skirt, paddle ‘beener’, river shoes – all very high build quality 30% off.

Peter

[Quirine Schuyff]

********CANCELLED******

Unfortunately, I need to cancel this as I am needed at work. I hope to try again soon. Possibly next week either Tuesday, or Thursday.

[Quirine Schuyff]

I would like to go for an early paddle from Jericho on Friday. The winds look light in the early morning, picking up between 9-10am from the west. My thought is to paddle to, or towards, Wreck Beach and have a leg stretch and snack, and then back with the wind behind us (I hope!) I will reassess as we go if the winds do somethng different.

WE WILL BE PRACTICING PHYSICAL DISTANCING AT ALL TIMES. IF A CAPSIZE OCCURS I HOPE WE CAN RE-ENTER SOLO, OR WITH DISTANCE ASSIST.

MEETING PLACE: -for non JSC members, just east of the pier by the Jericho Sailing Center. For JSC members in front of Jericho Kayak Center. (formerly Ecomarine) Non members are not permitted on the JSC site right now.

Beginners welcome but you MUST:

-Be able to wet exit and be able to do a self re-entry.

-Be responsible for your own safety

-Be able to handle a kayak in turns and moving forward and be able to do a wet exit. It also may be a bit windy on our return, so be comfortable with that.

-Have all required safety gear and an appropriate style kayak.

-Come dressed appropriately for weather AND water. It will be a bit cool in the morning. I will likely wear a drysuit. If you don’t, I recommend: Carry a full change of clothes in a dry bag which will be accessible on the water.

 

Suggested clothes: A thin synthetic or fleece layer(s) on the bottom and synthetic layers on top with a wind breaking jacket. Water worthy shoes. A sunhat. Gloves (and spares). Sunglasses.

Other items. A snack. Water. Camera. Dry-Bags.

Return time will depend on group but I will aim for 2pm latest return time. Please allow some leeway for unexpected circumstances.

Please email me with details: quisch@gmail.com

NAME
EMAIL
PHONE
SKILL LEVEL
BOAT: MAKE,SIZE,COLOUR
EMERGENCY CONTACT: NAME/PHONE
CAR: MAKE, MODEL, COLOUR, LICENSE

[Former Member]

I’ve had one for a couple of years and it’s works great. I’m a medium sized guy with large feet and it fits on me rather large everywhere except the feet which are not quite the right shape. It has a tough reinforced construction everywhere, except the feet which is where i think it is needed most.

[Former Member]

Do you recall what it sold for on sale?

 

Thanks

[Peter Kearney]

Hi John,

My first drysuit was a Kokatst front entry that I still use. Got the Level 6 emperor on sale a few years ago, shoulder entry is not as easy for me to access. Great quality a d heavy duty construction.  I wear the Level 6 in the cold and the Kokatat when it is warm.

Level 6 is usually on sale for Canada Day and Boxing Day.

Peter

[Author]

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