Escorted to the Isles of Shoals and back!

[tyson]

Well, not quite, but here is an excerpt from Emilie's blog post about today's trip:

To the sailboater who came by to check on us, thanks, but we were fine. To the other boat who was worried about us and called the coast guard, you could have just come asked us yourself. To the first coast guard boat, thanks for coming and checking up on us, we're doing fine, and we'll call when we get back this afternoon. To the second coast guard boat, geez, we aren't late getting back yet or anything. Thanks for the escort though.

sigh

Emilie and I met up with Jonathan Rose at Odiorne to do some open water paddling in preparation for the Blackburn. Since it seemed like a nice day, we decided to head for the Isles of Shoals. Emilie and I in our WSB K2 Bullitt and Jon in his custom Bjorn Thomasson Njord.

We departed the boat ramp at about 10:00. It started out with what seemed like a 5-10kt wind and 1-2 foot seas. We left Portsmouth Harbor with a bit of current behind us in spite of it being past low tide. As we progressed the winds picked up to 15kts; seas to 2-3 feet.

About 3/4 of the way out we noticed a Coast Guard boat trailing right behind us and slowly closing. They pulled up, mentioned that someone had called them about us, asked if we were OK, asked if we had emergency gear, asked where we were going, asked when we would be back, asked for my phone number and asked that we call when we get back. OK. They're doing their job and where polite about it.

The winds had steadily increased to the point that the Isles of Shoals was reporting 23kt winds at 12:00. We arrived around 12:15.

We spend about an hour on the lawn of Star Island resting, eating and enjoying the weather. ...and noting the white caps out between us and Portsmouth.

We headed back with a 26kt quartering tailwind and seas of 2-4ft. As we progressed towards land they seemed to increase to 3-5ft and remained there for the rest of the trip. The wind reported by the Isles of Shoals was 26-27kts during the time of our trip back.

During the trip back, one sail boat made a close pass and asked if we where OK and then headed off. About 1/3rd of the way back we were again intercepted by the Coast Guard. Different boat, different crew. They seemed to have my name and said that they were looking for me. They asked all the questions again, asked for my phone number again, asked for a description of my car. They tried to get us to accept a tow. They said that they would watch us for a bit. ...they again asked if we would accept a tow. Eventually, they left. ...again, just doing their job, but...

Overall the ride back was more surfing and boat control than paddling. It was quite a rough but fun ride. I'm definitely getting comfortable with the stability of our little K2.

Pictures are posted here:

http://picasaweb.google.com/tyson.sawyer/2...feat=directlink

Now, my question is:

I realize that they CG was doing their job. I know that if I ever need them, I'll be really glad that they are out there. However, it sure would be helpful if there were someway for me to "help them" by letting them know what my abilities are and what I'm up to. We were just out there having fun. It was certainly challenging conditions, but within our abilities and FUN! The reason that I so enjoy kayaks is that they are so incredibly sea worthy and I can really be one with the water. So, how do I let them know that I'm not Joe Recreational kayaker who would have really needed help?

I asked this while on the phone with them after returning to the boat ramp. They said that there wasn't really a problem. They were not upset. They said that really the only thing for me to do is file a float plan with a friend or family member so that someone would know when to look for us and where. I did this and it did not help the CG with doing their job.

If I had been able to file a float plan with the CG that included what our skills and gear was it seems this might have helped. Since the SPOT reports are a bit "spotty", I'm not sure how helpful it would be for them to have a link to the web page with our tacks on it, but if they where finding tracks that were recent, sensible and matched the float plan, I'd think that they wouldn't have to worry. ...I'm not sure if there is a good solution.

Oh well! It was still a GREAT day!

Cheers!

Ty

[Gcosloy]

Tyson,

There was an unfortunate incident this last winter where a self professed experienced kayaker from NH lost his life on the return trip from the Shoals after the CG had checked with him earlier in the day. I think they may have been overly cautious with you but based on this recent loss may have felt justified in going the extra steps. Sounds like a great paddle.

[tyson]

Yeah, I'm familiar with that incident. The difference is that he was paddling alone. If you end up out of your boat, having a second boat around can make a very big difference. Additionally, I wasn't suggesting that my float plan just say that I'm experienced. It would include what my skills are. There may be quite a number of people who have done a lot of paddling and are very experienced at staying upright. That is not the same as being experienced at dealing with being upside down or out of your boat.

My ex-wife saw a picture of that guys boat in the news paper after they found it. She said it was setup for a paddle float rescue with one end of the paddle tucked under the deck lines and a paddle float on the other end. The article said that "they" didn't know what happened. She said that the picture (combined with the weather) pretty much told the story.

Does anyone know if he had a good roll? How much recent experience with deep water self rescues did he have?

Also, my question was, "How can I help them". I wasn't complaining that they were doing their job. I just wanted to know how to make it easier for both them and me.

Cheers!

Ty

[NPSheehan]

Having a VHF Radio and asking the for a routine radio check at say 1/2 - 1hr intervals on 16 or better channel 9 would certainly be something that would be helpful to both as long as there isn't any emergency communication going on at the time. Monitoring channels 16 & 9 will also let you know if your radio is in range of CG or other vessel communication. All vessels should be monitoring channel 16 and most also monitor 9 so if there is a vessel nearby you should recieve a response to your radio check imediately.

http://boatsafe.com/nauticalknowhow/radio.htm#checks

Neil

[rick stoehrer]

Well, not quite, but here is an excerpt from Emilie's blog post about today's trip:

Emilie and I met up with Jonathan Rose at Odiorne to do some open water paddling in preparation for the Blackburn. Since it seemed like a nice day, we decided to head for the Isles of Shoals. Emilie and I in our WSB K2 Bullitt and Jon in his custom Bjorn Thomasson Njord.

We departed the boat ramp at about 10:00. It started out with what seemed like a 5-10kt wind and 1-2 foot seas. We left Portsmouth Harbor with a bit of current behind us in spite of it being past low tide. As we progressed the winds picked up to 15kts; seas to 2-3 feet.

About 3/4 of the way out we noticed a Coast Guard boat trailing right behind us and slowly closing. They pulled up, mentioned that someone had called them about us, asked if we were OK, asked if we had emergency gear, asked where we were going, asked when we would be back, asked for my phone number and asked that we call when we get back. OK. They're doing their job and where polite about it.

The winds had steadily increased to the point that the Isles of Shoals was reporting 23kt winds at 12:00. We arrived around 12:15.

We spend about an hour on the lawn of Star Island resting, eating and enjoying the weather. ...and noting the white caps out between us and Portsmouth.

We headed back with a 26kt quartering tailwind and seas of 2-4ft. As we progressed towards land they seemed to increase to 3-5ft and remained there for the rest of the trip. The wind reported by the Isles of Shoals was 26-27kts during the time of our trip back.

During the trip back, one sail boat made a close pass and asked if we where OK and then headed off. About 1/3rd of the way back we were again intercepted by the Coast Guard. Different boat, different crew. They seemed to have my name and said that they were looking for me. They asked all the questions again, asked for my phone number again, asked for a description of my car. They tried to get us to accept a tow. They said that they would watch us for a bit. ...they again asked if we would accept a tow. Eventually, they left. ...again, just doing their job, but...

Overall the ride back was more surfing and boat control than paddling. It was quite a rough but fun ride. I'm definitely getting comfortable with the stability of our little K2.

Pictures are posted here:

http://picasaweb.google.com/tyson.sawyer/2...feat=directlink

Now, my question is:

I realize that they CG was doing their job. I know that if I ever need them, I'll be really glad that they are out there. However, it sure would be helpful if there were someway for me to "help them" by letting them know what my abilities are and what I'm up to. We were just out there having fun. It was certainly challenging conditions, but within our abilities and FUN! The reason that I so enjoy kayaks is that they are so incredibly sea worthy and I can really be one with the water. So, how do I let them know that I'm not Joe Recreational kayaker who would have really needed help?

I asked this while on the phone with them after returning to the boat ramp. They said that there wasn't really a problem. They were not upset. They said that really the only thing for me to do is file a float plan with a friend or family member so that someone would know when to look for us and where. I did this and it did not help the CG with doing their job.

If I had been able to file a float plan with the CG that included what our skills and gear was it seems this might have helped. Since the SPOT reports are a bit "spotty", I'm not sure how helpful it would be for them to have a link to the web page with our tacks on it, but if they where finding tracks that were recent, sensible and matched the float plan, I'd think that they wouldn't have to worry. ...I'm not sure if there is a good solution.

Oh well! It was still a GREAT day!

Cheers!

Ty

as gene said...guy died paddling that route solo and and yes, you were in a group and yes you had gear but none of that necessarily makes you "safe" and the cg has no means of quantifying your skills or abilities.

so while they may have been on scene a lot more than they needed to be, they are just reacting naturally to an event that, while it has nothing to do with you, is going to impact you and every other kayaker paddling out to the shoals for awhile.

they TALKED with that guy too and he still got himself killed....my bet is that they're going to err on the side of caution with that trip for the forseeable future.

in the UK BEFORE YOU launch, you call the cg and let them know where you're going and what time you'll be taking out and if you DON'T call them, then they start the search (they open a ticket and then track it til closed) as opposed to the US where it's AFTER the fact and then it's a scramble for information, etc. makes me wonder which of those methodologies is preferable.

glad you had fun.

[dogfish]

A couple things. The boat crew are doing what they are told by the OOD at the station whether it was Portsmouth or Merrimack River. The station could have been told by sector Boston what to do based on the conditions observed and the "relative" skill of all the "experienced" Kayakers that ended up on the wet side of the kayak at sail Boston. The winds and weather you experienced while they may not have been an issue for you, are in the area for a "small craft advisory" and border line "small craft warning" . There are a few of you that use those words to grab the boat and head for the water but the general public and the average boater is what the advisory and warnings are geared for.

I am glad you had a good time. You taught the crews well by your appearance on the water, hopefully with all the requisite equipment and with your head in the game. Put it this way. Usually the smart *ss gets asked for the next of kin's name and number.

[bob budd]

I'd say be happy you had an eventful trip back from the Isles and that you were talking to the CG instead of whomever it is you meet on the "other side".

[tyson]

in the UK BEFORE YOU launch, you call the cg and let them know where you're going and what time you'll be taking out and if you DON'T call them, then they start the search (they open a ticket and then track it til closed) as opposed to the US where it's AFTER the fact and then it's a scramble for information, etc. makes me wonder which of those methodologies is preferable.

glad you had fun.

That is how its done with flying, though it is voluntary on the pilots part for VFR flights. I do feel that it is a better solution. I've since heard that if you launch from Kittery, the harbor master will take a float plan and should be able to help the folks out on the water know who is up to what. I'm likely to try that next time.

The winds and weather you experienced while they may not have been an issue for you, are in the area for a "small craft advisory" and border line "small craft warning" .

I am glad you had a good time. You taught the crews well by your appearance on the water, hopefully with all the requisite equipment and with your head in the game. Put it this way. Usually the smart *ss gets asked for the next of kin's name and number.

Would it have been to much to turn to the tailing CG boat, wave, and then roll our tandem in such conditions?

Cheers!

Ty

[tyson]

Having a VHF Radio and asking the for a routine radio check at say 1/2 - 1hr intervals

I generally don't trust little handheld VHF radios 14 inches above the water. ...but I suppose that if/when it worked it would allow the CG to know what I'm up to and know that I'm still OK.

My concern would be that a radio that fails to get through once they are expecting a call would upset them even more.

Ty

[EEL]

I generally don't trust little handheld VHF radios 14 inches above the water.

The new Rescue 21 system being installed for the CG is designed to be able to communicate with a handheld VHF radio near sea level at a distance of 20NM from shore. This is important once DCS capability is put into handheld units. Communicating between kayaks is one thing, communicating with the CG is another. A high gain antenna atop a tall tower is a sensitive "ear".

Before asking for radio checks on Ch 16, I suggest you telephone the Portsmouth station and ask about doing that.

Ed Lawson

[spider]

Been reading this one from up in Quebec.

Kind of curious why you don't trust the VHF radios that much ? Haven't used one that much but use the SPOT device regularly.

All in All I would love to here the unoffical dialogue from the CG before they politely ask if you're doing Ok...I would imagine it's akin to "here we go again".

to them you might have seemed to have more in common with the unfortunate fellow who drowned

than you might think. Refusing help, confident that things were ok etc. etc... cept the other fellow is now deceased.

For all I know he might have nailed his 1st roll...maybe another one after that...again and again. I wouldn't discount ones ability to stay upright as being lesser than having a good roll. Doesn't much matter to my way of thinking...your either alive or dead. The expression up here would just boil down to if you had a "good day" or a "bad day"

I know what I might paddle with one boat I might not with another. I definetly prefer the tandem in rough water, but I well remember reading of the tandem super athletes who drowned a couple of years ago out in BC (I think) one of the victims was from the boat that was trying to help those that had already capsized.

Glad you had a good day

Good like in the Blackburn

spdr

[spider]

Been...

[tyson]

Been reading this one from up in Quebec.

Kind of curious why you don't trust the VHF radios that much ? Haven't used one that much but use the SPOT device regularly.

Do you use the track mode, and if so, how reliably does it report? It should report once every 10 minutes. I find that sometimes it does. ...but often it goes 30-40 minutes between reports. ...sometimes and hour. I have it mounted to my shoulder and my head may be blocking the signal. I tried putting it on my deck on the 'Shoals trip but then forgot to start the track mode.

All in All I would love to here the unoffical dialogue from the CG before they politely ask if you're doing Ok...I would imagine it's akin to "here we go again".

to them you might have seemed to have more in common with the unfortunate fellow who drowned

than you might think. Refusing help, confident that things were ok etc. etc... cept the other fellow is now deceased.

The big objective differences are season (water and air temperature) and solo vs 2 boats and 3 people.

I know what I might paddle with one boat I might not with another. I definetly prefer the tandem in rough water, but I well remember reading of the tandem super athletes who drowned a couple of years ago out in BC (I think) one of the victims was from the boat that was trying to help those that had already capsized.

I've not heard of this one. Might you have a link?

Why would you prefer your tandem? Is it something inherent to being a tandem or is it just more stable? In my case my solo boat is much more stable than our tandem. ...something I need to rectify.

Good like in the Blackburn

spdr

Thanks!

Ty

[spider]

Hope all are having/had a good time at the Blackburn...

I don't know how to do multiple quotes and don't quite know what blogs are but...

.....the story of the BC tandem tragedies should show up here in the "search" section or defintley in a google search. I think some members here might live out on the other coast and have a good source of reference. It was, among other aspects, a situation were rescuers become victims while trying to save their friends.

....so far the SPOT device has been the most user friendly of the various battery operated devices I have tried for paddling/hiking. I think future versions might have one color light for one function and another color for different function. occasionally I send and OK message instead of setting it a tracking log. For the most part I have good luck with the 10 minute interval with an occasional missed one. If I am returning the same way I went out I turn it off as it makes the screen all cluttered with waypoints...confusing for those trying to read it, myself included.

This past trip I learned people viewing the tracks are not seeing the same map as those recieving the OK message. They need to click the "sponsored by Google Maps" logo to bring them to the same maps as those recieving the OK message. I think there was a SPOT thread here recently in case we want to bring more Spot dialouge over to there.

Tandems, we love ours, solid as a rock esp loaded for a trip. We learned our paddling a bit of the hard way up in Canada when we would go to touristy places and head out. They would put us in Boreal Designs tandems shove us off and tell us to paddle like hell till we got through the breakers.

We would be out there in the rough stuff thinking oh well this is nice not even realizing that perhaps things were a bit rougher than some folks might like...

For the singles we do have, I am most comfortable in rough water when it is carrying a load. When just playing around in rough water near shore I would just as soon be in a WW boat.

We are mostly all about wildlife observations and what it takes to get us there.

So to our mind we say... today am I the Whale..Beluga or today I am like the Surf Scoter in the surf...but don't want to get all existential on the subject....for now.

Would love to se a thread about Percieved Dangers and real Dangers...I think Derek Huttchinson touches on the subject, but perhaps it could be expanded on here in the forums...?