Posted by Mark Roberts
on 5/8/2009, 8:59 am
72.87.118.57
the following is from Michele Sorenson. It is excellent. I especially liked the results from the New London Coast Guard Meeting last week which covered RISK ASSESSMENT for paddling. The summary of 2008 boating fatalities is sobering. I have edited her newsletter to shorten it to fit here.
Mark Roberts
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COAST GUARD MEETING - NEW LONDON
It was good to meet Lt Commander Ely of the New London base, and get a copy of his "Small Boat Unit Risk Assessment Worksheet." He uses many of the same factors that I assess before taking a group of paddlers on a tour. Ely rates seven factors, on a scale of 1-6, with 6 being the most risky. Then he adds up the points, and the mission is a "go" if less than 22, "amber - requires further review" if 22-44 points, and "no go" if over 44 points. The factors he assesses, and how they relate to kayaking (my opinion) are:
1) Coxswain experience - the cox is the leader of the crew. He adds 2 points if that person is fatigued. This applies if your group has a leader. "Qualified" is 5-6 pts, "Average" 3-4 pts, "Exceptional" 1-2 pts.
2) Crew experience - Add 2 points if fatigued, use same guidelines as for leader - simply qualified, average or exceptional. Obviously unqualified paddlers should not be allowed to participate!
3) Planning/situation evaluation - Poor plan 5-6 pts, Fair plan 3-4 pts, Good plan 1-2 pts. NO plan gets 6 pts in my book, and is not an option for the Coast Guard!
4) Weather conditions can add up to 18 points, almost enough on their own to put a trip in the amber zone. For waves 6-8', add 6 pts; 4-6' add 4 pts, 2-4', add 2 pts; less than 2', add 1 pt.
For visibility <1mile, add 6 pts; 1-3 miles, add 3 pts; > 3 miles, add 1 pt. For winds >20 kts, add 6 pts; 15-20 kts, add 4 pts; 10-15 kts, add 2 pts; <10 kts, add 1 pt.
5) Tidal Conditions and Current - Add 6 pts for current >3 knots; 4 pts for 2 kts; 2 pts for 1 kt, and 1 pt for <1 kt. Note the state of the tide (rising, falling, slack). I always note time of next high or low.
6) Evolution Complexity refers to the planned activities of the mission. I would consider the length of the trip as an additional complexity. The CG assesses very complex 5-6 pts; moderately complex 3-4 pts and "routine" 1-2 pts. I would consider a kayak trip of over 12 miles or more than 6 hours as very complex; 5-12 miles moderately complex and 4 or fewer miles or less than 3 hours as routine.
7) Vessel Condition - "Major limitations" are assessed 5-6 pts; minor limitations, 2-4 pts; and no limitations 1pt. I would say that almost no kayaks have no limitations, and that critical kayak gear must be considered as part of the vessel condition. Lifevests must be worn by all boaters in the Coast Guard, and I agree that applies to kayakers. Kayaks must have two intact bulkheads and hatches that are secure. Sprayskirts must stay on even in big waves and must not leak. To get close to "no limitations," you need to have float bags in the bow and stern hatches, and three or more kayaks in excellent condition on a trip.
I'd be interested in your comments on this risk assessment tool.
2008 NORTHEAST PADDLESPORT FATALITIES
Cmdr Ely also shared details of the 2008 Northeast kayak fatalities. Of 55 boating deaths, 14 were paddlecraft, of which 10 were in canoes and 4 in kayaks. All 14 were males. NONE were wearing a lifevest. The kayak deaths in April, May & December were doubtless due to frigid water. The 10' "kayak" in July was probably a recreational kayak with inadequate flotation.
Apr 17 - VT - no PFD - Male 24
May 2 - 12.2' kayak - NH - no PFD - Male 58
Jul 21 - 10' kayak - CT - no PFD - Male 54
Dec 30 - NY - no PFD - Male 22
WHAT TO DO WITH YOUR BOAT & GEAR IN SPRING
KAYAK - Before taking your kayak out on the water, give it a thorough inspection (great on a rainy weekend). Spray 303 Protectant or Armor All on the entire deck surface, non-metallic fittings and hatch covers. Work a small area at a time, wiping it in with a clean rag. Check the deck lines and bungies for wear. Small Boat Shop and most marine shops sell replacement cord and bungy in various thicknesses. Bring a sample piece to make sure you get the right size. If your bungy configuration is less than optimal, now's a good time to buy some extra and re-do it to hold gear tighter. I add a wooden bead to my bow bungy so I can quickly slip my paddle under it.
PADDLE - Apply 303 Protectant to the blades. Add a strip of reflective tape to the shaft on both ends, just below the throat. Check the ferrule for a smooth fit. If sticky, rinse well and dry. Spray with 303 or use a little salad oil on a bit of paper towel. If it's still sticky, you may need to sand down the ferrule until it goes smoothly.
LIFEVEST - Is your whistle still attached securely? If it's mildewed or completely faded, I'd replace it.
SKIRT - A neoprene skirt that's completely faded may leak. Be sure to notice if it's keeping you dry on your first trip.
ROOF RACK SURPRISE
Last month I removed the "feet" on my Thule rack, as they were installed so low in front that they were scraping the finish off the roof of my Volvo (installed by dealer, who was NOT SBS). The roof rusted right through. It cost $683 to repair. I bought new Thule feet for the front only (product #4502). They are made of reinforced nylon strap, and shouldn't cause any problems. I bought the new parts at Small Boat Shop, who have always serviced whatever they sell me.
STRETCHING IN YOUR KAYAK
Our April club meeting was held at a studio where Martha Wright and I demonstrated stretching technique for before, during and after kayaking. When you first get into your boat, near shore, in shallow water (with a life vest on), I suggest you try these warm-ups:
1) Adjust your posture - sit very tall, roll your shoulders forward, up and back two times. (Upright posture is critical to torso rotation and proper stroke technique)
2) Breathe deeply through your nose and bring your arms slowly alongside your ears, lower them slowly as you exhale through your nose. Repeat several times, focusing on long, deep breaths. (Improves balance)
3) Neck stretch - Breathe in as you look left, exhale as you go back to center. Breathe in and look right, exhale and return to center. Repeat three times. (Increase range of motion to be able to look behind you.)
4) Warm up wrists by rolling clockwise, then counter-clockwise. Push hand gently back, then make a fist and curl it all the way forward. (Increase range of motion for better bracing, rolling, light grip on paddle)
5) Stretch side of body by raising one arm and leaning to the opposite side and holding. Then do other side, coordinating with breath.
6) Practice low brace two times on each side, in water no more than 6-12" deep!
7) Torso stretch to right, holding onto front cockpit rim with left hand, and placing right hand in CENTER of back deck. Reverse to do the left side. Hold 15-30 seconds. Repeat.
8) Forward bend to "kiss" your deck, stretching your spine from the waist to reach forward as far as possible before you relax and lower your head. Do slowly, coordinating with breath to deepen stretch on each exhale. Relax legs out of the footpegs. (Forward bends are used for wet exits and for rolling. They stretch hamstrings, which make you more comfortable in the confined space of the kayak.) Do whenever you need a leg stretch.
NEW PRODUCTS
AquaBound has come out with a 14" Bilgemaster pump, 3" shorter than the standard one. If you have a mid to low volume kayak (measure the depth at the side of the cockpit), you may want to treat yourself to a lower profile deck item. I sell these for $29. The distance from the bottom to the outlet is 13.5". The body of the pump is 14". The overall length is 17.5". The new pump takes 9 strokes to empty 1 gallon. The older model has an overall length of 21." It takes 7.5 strokes to empty one gallon.
Thule just introduced a "Water Slide" protection mat to mount to the back of your car to protect the finish on the auto, remove sand or grit while loading, and help the boat glide smoothly onto your carrier. At $29.95 at The Small Boat Shop and other Thule retailers. [I find a rubber backed bath mat just as good, and much cheaper ... MGR]
Michele Sorensen
ACA Certified Coastal Kayak Instructor
SOUND KAYAKERS CLUB
(203) 852-7294
soundkayakers@earthlink.net
www.kayak-adventure.net/SoundKayakers.htm
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