When a paddler capsizes and doesn’t wet exit from a closed-cockpit kayak – this is a serious matter since it can lead to drowning. Perhaps a sudden capsize into cold water, perhaps some other health threatening event, or perhaps a paddler is simply trapped in their cockpit unable to wet exit, for any reason. If you paddle kayaks regularly, you need to know this rescue – the trapped paddler rescue. In a nutshell, you use leverage and speed to bring the paddler’s head back to the surface within seconds of their unplanned capsize.
First, you need to come along side the capsized kayak, preferably opposite the trapped paddler. Then you need to reach over to the far side of the capsized hull while pressing down on the near side of the hull with the heel of your other hand. This starts the kayak rolling back up.
Pulling the far side of the trapped paddler’s kayak towards you with your far hand, while pushing the hull under seat away from you rolls the trapped paddler’s head towards the surface, this step needs to happen quickly, the paddler is unable to breath under water.
The next move can vary, but it’s the final push to get the trapped paddler’s head out of the water. While grasping the deck-hull joint and pulling it towards you, throw your upper body weight over the edge of the kayak; you are now pushing down on the underside of your forearms as the hull continues to roll away from you and back down into the water, thus bringing the trapper paddler farther out of the water. Grabbing the trapped paddler’s PFD strap or any secure clothing near the shoulders, such as a drysuit, gives you a firm grasp of the victim’s torso, and is excellent leverage for bringing your wet paddler back to the fully upright position.
Once the paddler is upright, a buddy hug can stabilize both of you, and help you to keep the wet and possibly disabled paddler in a safe and stable upright position.
After the rescued paddler regains their composure and you’re sure they are O.K. (preferably smiling) it’s time to separate and get on with the business at hand: enjoying another fabulous day of paddling. You might suggest the trapped paddler does some wet exit practice or work on their rolling/bracing/balance skills. Seriously, this rescue is a life saver, literally. Learn it !!
Want to learn the trapped paddler rescue? Call the Alaska Kayak School, 2010 American Canoe Association Day Trip Leader Assessment Course, Halibut Cove, Alaska, May 13-16, 2010. www.alaskakayakschool.com/calendar, 907.235.2090, alaskakayakschool@gmail.com
Tags: cold water safety, Hand of God, sea kayak rescue, Sea Kayak Safety and Rescue, Trapped paddler