SIK Capsize & Recovery

I spent a few days in Pt. Townsend this Thanksgiving weekend, and managed to get out and play around in the rip 1.1 miles NW of Pt. Wilson in the 5kt current & 2-4ft waves. When the big ships would come through the strait, the resulting wake would plow through the rip creating 2 or 3 waves 6ft high and steep.

Focused on my own good time, I managed to surf and play halfway way back to the point before I remembered to check on my girlfriend...Who was fine and having fun. We had discussed an attack, exit, & capsize plan before entering the rip. We were prepared for the worst, but if she had capsized, it would have been harry.

Playing in a rip is like boxing; It doesn't take long before you've sweated out your base layers and are out of breath, so we paddled back inside Admiralty Inlet and practiced rescues.

It's no an exact play by play. There are a few shots missing as my Granddad was the photographer, but I thought it might be helpful to show for new guys. Doesn't matter if it's a SIK or SOT. The idea is the same. Only difference is you don't have to drain a SOT.

1: Hang on to the boat and paddle, don't worry about the other stuff (yardsale) that is floating away unless your life depends on it. Signal for assistance.

2: Tell your buddy of any injuries. Don't freak out. Breath slowly.

3: Hand off your paddle & don't let go of the boat. Work your way to the bow of your buddy's boat using the perimeter line. Wrap your body around the bow; This get's most of my core organs out of the water.

4: Work your way to the outside of your boat, hand over hand on the perimeter line. Grab the perimeter line on your buddy's boat and "spoon" your boat. Put your inside foot in the cockpit and roll your hips up onto the deck, torso to follow. This method takes the least strength.

5: Stay as low as you can until your over the seat, then rotate carefully until back in position.

6: Thank your buddy (tip your guide!) for getting you out of the drink.

As the rescuer, you want to take charge and direct the swimmer in a calm fashion, even if your not 100% sure what your doing. Fake it.

The most important thing as the rescuer is to place the paddles across both boats in front of the cockpit, out of the way of the swimmer trying to get back in. Arms should be on top of both paddles, with a hand firmly holding the perimeter line on either side of the boat. This paddle bridge makes a rock solid raft, no matter what the conditions.
Notice how Shay is leaning across my deck. Worry about getting the water out later.

Good stuff! Is the bottom of your yak covered in SOLAS? Was thinking of putting a couple stripes on mine as well...

no, it's a 2 tone paint job.

The black bow and stern with white middle & white deck looks sweet, but I was afraid I would look like an orca and confuse them or scare fish. Neither of which I want to do.

http://www.tideraceseakayaks.com/index.php/kayak-models/xcite

I haven't decided on a color scheme yet, but that is my new boat....just have to wait 3 months right now I'm without a sea kayak of my own.