Lbeale

You are right Rick, that's it--why did I think I was towed off the beach when clearly to everyone else I wasn't? I could swear I was towed out by Bill and those by the side of my kayak were there to navigate the boat through the waves, assisting the tow. Therefore, I must of been "losing it"--that is, my ability to process information or events on the beach before I even got on the water--it was getting into that boat that flipped the switch off--I remember you asking me while I was in my boat if I was okay and about the leg--and I said yes I was okay and I could keep my leg straight--but I must of been losing my capacity for judgement--and not know it--and as Brian stated, the spiral effect takes over.

Sooo, this is what I learnt by having this bi-polar experience of training as a rescuer in one moment then the next moment being a rescuee:

Rescuing someone is a dynamic process not a static process. There is a begiining, middle and end to a rescue.

At different points in a rescue, the rescuee may be going though various stages of physical and psychological stress or discomfort. During a rescue, physical AND psychological conditions can change for the rescuee, consciously and subconsciously.

Psychological changes that the rescuee experiences can impact the logistics of a rescue not just physical experiences.

When there is an injury, the person may experience a selective information process--that is, the ability to take in limited or selective information at a given time and given place. This selective information processing is sometimes referred to as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)--A rescuee can experience PTSD and not know they have PTSD -- Does this make sense???

Communication between the rescuee and rescuer is vital to a successful rescue. In NSPN trip leadership training there is a strong emphasis on consistent and constant communication between rescuee and rescurer. This rescue was successful because of the paddling experience level, the rescue competencies including team work, and the communication skills of the trip leaders.

I was very fortunate on Saturday. Les

Yes, you are right Brian. Things shifted for me unexpectedly. On the beach, I could handle the situation but there was something about being in the boat and on the water again that changed things for me. Different environment, different response. That's all I'm trying to say. How the rescuee behaves on the beach may change once he or she gets back into the boat and onto the water. Being on land I felt I could handle the situation but on the water I felt more vulnerable to the conditions. But that could be just me. les

I actually did not feel too badly on the beach--I thought the leg would just get better if I waited it out a bit--Da nile just ain't a river--(Zora Neele Hurston)--

But there was something about getting back into the boat and on water that triggered the secondary response--and that secondary response was unpredictable --I did not know that it was going to have that response until I got on the water--So I learnt that how the rescuee is on land can be different than how he or she is in their boat and on the water--

At any point while I was being towed back, I could of said "stop, let's land here and let's call a cab or, someone go get my car"-- but my choice was to get to my car asap--I was given that option of bailing out before the launch by Scott a couple of times while being towed--an option given by the leaders to make a different decision if I wanted--So, I never felt coerced or that my input was not valued--

I just was not ready for my surprise secondary response on the water. In retrospect, a confounding factor was on the beach my leg was not confined so there was no added pressure and I could bend my knee to relive some of the pressure. Once in the boat, my leg was confined by the hull so that confinement may have caused additional pressure on my knee.

An additonal consideration was that the beach was well below the road's access point. I would of had to climb many steps and/or rocks to get to the road. So I was literally caught between a rock and a hard place (no pun intended). les

Hi Ken,

We launched from Marblehead Harbor and went out to the light around the bend of Marblehead Neck and landed on the beach by Castle Rock for lunch. We were practicing surf landings with Deb as the leader and I was the first to go in. The surf was not particularly high but as I was landing on the beach, the surf slammed my boat around somewhat. So, I quickly tried to get out of my boat. As I was jumping out of my cockpit that was when I did the knee damage. When I finally got out of the boat, I tried to stand up on the leg but couldn't because my leg would not go straight. I forced myself to stand up on it and made my leg go straight. Brian was on the water, closest to me and was watching me land. As soon as he saw I was in trouble, saw me hopping around, he quickly came in to shore and assisted me. It was that simple and that quick for me. I've gotten in and out of my kayak lots of times in surf conditions with conditions more challenging and never had any problems. Does this response help you in clarifying the events? Thanks for asking, Les

Thanks Liz--I plan on going to the Doc's tomorrow--

My experience as a rescuee was insightful to me and hopefully, might be helpful to trip leaders. It may be just me but I suspect that some rescuees might have a similar experience.

(1) When I was injured, I tried to down play what happened --denial or embarrassment or shock--I'm not sure--but quickly I talked myself into believing that I was okay and, if I sat down and waited it out during lunch, took two aspirins magically, the pain would disappear and I would be fine. I'd get right back in my boat and continue the leadership training. The thought of turning back was not even an option I considered. I was not trying to be tough, but rather, I was trying to cope with my present circumstance, which was scarier than the injury. It was when Alan stated I needed to go back to the launch that I understood returning was my only option. So what might be obvious to trip leaders may not be obvious to the rescuee.

(2) When it finally sunk in that I was going back to the launch and not completing the training, it also sunk in that I had to get back into my kayak. Not a pretty thought. My mind was selectively taking in and processing information. At different times, I was able to grasp what was happening but I could not grasp everything at once. As time progressed, I was able to take in more information but, it took time. If it appeared that I was not paying attention or being unresponsive, it was because I could not take in information. Leaders had to tell me what to do. As a trip leader, it is probably a good idea to repeat your statements to the rescuee to make sure he or she got the information.

(3) I don't know who picked me up and helped me get in the cockpit without bending my knees, but that was very helpful. it wasn't until I got to the boat that I realized I could not get into the boat--again, selective thought process. All through the rescue, leaders were asking me if I was okay, asking me questions, using humor, but also creating a climate of competency. At one point Rick C. came up to my kayak and asked the details of the plan from one of the leaders. The step-by-step rescue plan was logically stated and I knew what was expected. Letting me know the plan helped me remain calm.

(4) Probably the biggest gasp came from comprehending my vulnerability. I'm in my boat, can't bend my knee, can't use my foot pegs, can't steer the boat. Now, I am going to launch off a beach, paddle through surf to get to deep, cold water. What am I? Nuts??? No, I trusted the people who were towing me. I knew and have paddled with the leaders who were towing, but I can easily imagine if I did not know the leaders how more vulnerable I would feel.

(5) First step to this rescue is to get off the beach while sitting in my kayak. This meant I had to get through the surf without capsizing--remember, can't bend my knee, can't use my foot pegs, in pain, now I have to get through surf without capsizing-yeah, right. Again, luckily, I was with leaders who knew what they were doing. Bill used a long tow to get me through the surf, and there were leaders on both sides of my boat to make sure I did not capsize. Pronto, I was through the surf. Leaders on both sides of my boat literally had to get in the surf and push my boat through the surf as Bill was towing so I would not capsize. It was not easy for the leaders and for Bill to get me thorugh the surf, but it was fast and effective method for getting a rescuee off the beach.

(6) Okay, I'm in my boat and on the water. Getting back to the launch is disorienting and scary because of distance. I am feeling nausea and faint--my knee is starting to have a burning, sharp pain because the tow line tugs at the boat. John is towing, Scott is on one side and Deb is on the other side. At first, I don't paddle but then I realize by paddling it takes my mind of the pain, the nausea, and the strong, sudden urge to fall asleep. The paddling helped my breathing and to focus on something other than nausea and sleep. And, paddling cut down on the tugging from the tow. I suggest that if the rescuee can paddle, he or she should try.

(7) Deb and Scott asked me how I was doing without being alarming, they joked, and kept the banter light. I got into a nervous chatter mode but the talking helped me remain calm.

(8) When Scott took over the tow and John was paddling next to me, he check to see how I was doing physically--can I feel my toes? do I still have a pins and needles sensation in my leg or toes? I told John that he needed to keep talking to me about anything because I was ready to vomit and to sleep, and talking to me was a distraction. Chit/Chat works. As a rescuee, tell the rescuers what you need and how you are feeling so they can be prepared. The communication has to happen both ways.

I hope this information is helpful to trip leaders and to rescuees. Again, this is just my experience of a rescuee. However, some or all of this narrative may be applicable to future rescues. In summary, this rescue was well-executed because it was timely, efficient and leaders worked as a team. Les

I want to thank everyone who participated in the leadership training yesterday for helping me get back in my boat, towing me to the launch and getting me and my gear into my car, driving me home, getting me into my house, and making sure I was okay.

As I was getting out of my boat during a mild surf landing, I pulled a ligament near my kneecap. It happened that quickly. That was the bad news. The good news was I was paddling with people who knew how to get me back to the launch in a timely, efficient manner with the least amount of pain.

The names of people who were helpful are many so please excuse me if I forgot someone. Thanks to Scott and Brian for picking me up and carrying me, to Rick for making sure we had a coherent plan to get me back to my car and home, to Alan Moore for his kind words and compassion, to Patty and Dee for being supportive, to Bill for pulling me off the beach in a long tow.

A special thanks to Scott, John, and Deb for doing the long haul of a tow to the launch (did we make it back in record time?) and driving me home. I literally could not of made it home without you.

I never ever thought I would need to be rescued on Saturday or, that I would injury myself getting out of my boat. Injuries will paddling always happened to somenone else, not me. But now I know first hand, what a timely, well-orchestrated rescue really means to someone who is injured, in pain. Finally, it REALLY does make a difference to paddle with people who know how to conduct a rescue.

I also apologise for any inconvience I may have caused to any of the participants. Les

On Saturday a few NSPN hearty or delirious souls met at Pavillion Beach, Gloucester Harbor, for the Tows and Rescue workshop. Cold, damp, wind, and rain did not deter these hearty paddlers. Brian and John where co-leaders of my group. I learnt the importance of brushing up on skills at the beginning of the warm weather season--particularly the t-rescue. Again and again, one of us jumped into that cold Gloucester water only to be rescued. I, of course, forgot to fully burp my drysuit before jumping in the water, so floated as opposed to swam. If you don't burp your drysuit before paddling and you end up in the water, it makes it difficult to swim or help in the rescue--lesson learnt.

The patience, humor, and guidance of John and Brian in helping the paddling-challenged like myself to perform rescues was commendable. Thank you and all the more seasoned paddlers who volunteered their time and expertise, Scott, Rick, Linda, Dee (apologies if I forgot someone) for your kindness. Les

Thank you Ken and John for your help. John, I will take you up on your kind offer on letting me try your surfski when you get back. And Ken, I agree with you about Hawaii being the epicenter for sea kayaking so I want to do as much research on Hawaii paddling resources before I go so I am not wasting time figuring out logistic once there.

I will follow up on Ken's websites that look so enticing. If I seem somewhat frantic on this message board it's because the Hawaiian options are so varied and, conditions so different than what I have paddled. It feels somewhat daunting and, I'm not going have my traveling paddling homegirls, Deb and Karen, to help me if I get in a tough spot. So, I will stick with my touring Epic paddling when on surfski, at least in the beginning until I am familiar with the boat--bring my helmet and wear it--and try to hook up with a surfski coach so I don't drown--thx again for your insight and advice, Les

Does anyone know how I can rent or borrow a surf ski (for my size) and a wing paddle??? I would like to try the paddle and boat out before I leave--I have been told that a wing paddle is best for a surf ski--or can I use my epic touring paddle??? les

Thanks so much to all for the advice--got in touch via email with David in Hawaii who posted on paddling.net--has some good info on kayaking--and will also check out Gerry's suggestion in NH--one idea was to rent a surf ski--but I have never paddled a surf ski--am I going to kill myself on that thing or what????? let me know if its a bad idea, will ya???? les

from June 19th until July 21st I will be at the University of Hawaii on a special award researching South East Asian culture. I would like to paddle on my days off. To my surprise, when I google search info on sea kayaking in Hawaii the prospects look dim. There are advertisements for sit on tops with some reference to surf skis. Does anyone know anything about sea kayaking in Hawaii? Any outfitters? Any suggestions? Has anyone done sea kayaking (with cockpit) in Hawaii?? Jed told me this scary story about some guy from Hawaii who was on his sit-on-top for days in the middle of the Pacific--finally reaching the coast guard by cell phone--this is not good--should I just forget about sea kayaking in Hawaii??? I would like to bring my paddle, pfd and safety gear if it makes sense---les

wow--what a day--it must of felt like a "beam me up, Scotty" experience (for those of you too young to remember, that is a Star Trek reference) when you spotted that humpback--it is interesting that the general public have not been informed about the whale in the harbor--unlike this summer, when the minke was in Portland Harbor--anyways,congratulations, you literally have a tall tale of a fish story to tell--les

I will be there--as Bethany states, it is a great opportunity--and a slide show!!!!!! will be bringing a friend or two--les

Mark & Bob,

I just need help figuring this out--just checked the marine forecast--it looks like sat. is the best day --sat has less winds (10-15 knots as opposed to sun with maybe gust up to 20 knots) the winds are NE which means the winds will be behind us if we launch from Winthrop but we will be paddling into the winds if we launch from Hull--

but, on the way back we will be paddling into the winds if we launch in winthrop but if we launch from hull on the way back the winds will be behind us--

so now my next step is figuring out the tides-- try to go out with the tide (low tide) and come in with high tide--but my question is what should I pay more attention to on a day like saturday's forecast--the tides or the winds?--or should I give equal consideration to both?

And, I'm hesitant to go out of hull gut--b/c of the currents--which is something else I am trying to figure out with tides, winds--as well as being hesitant about crossing president's road on the way back if we launch from Winthrop if we are going to be fighting the wind-choices, choices--decisions, decisions--

so if you can (or anyone else who is a trip leader or knows navigation) can give me some guidance that would great--also, what other questions should I be asking myself in planning this trip??? les

Due to the well-informed advice given by Mark, Bob, Scott, and David, Deb Dempseyand I have changed direction and are planning to launch from Hingham Harbor Sunday (4/10/05) at 10:00, paddle to Peddocks Island and maybe to George's Island depending on weather/wind/tides/currents/whatever--and be back to launch site at around 3:00-3:30 pm. All are welcome to join us on this trip if you have a drysuit. This is a sho and go which means this trip is not sponsored by NSPN and there are no trip leaders; every participant is responsible for their own safety. So if you are interested, just so I can get an idea of who is comming post here or email me at: lbeale at spfldcol dot edu--join us, it will be fun--les

thanks, rick--very helpful info--will take you up on your suggestion--my problem witn nite classes is that I tend to teach at night--but will check into the coasties--les

Would anyone be interested in sharing the cost of attending Adam's B. advanced navigation workshops: crossing currents and tides, and/or special situations--look to the events classified section of this message board for more info on these classes. I am looking for a couple of other people to share cost--if interested, you can email: lbeale at spfldcol dot edu. les

Three NSPN kayak girls, Karen Gladstone, Deb Dempsey and myself spent a week in St. John's at the Maho Campgrounds. From our base, we paddled for a week our very own rented plastic-tub-kayaks in and around the cays and bays of St. John. Some lessons learnt from this experience:

1. Get Karen to organize the boat rentals. She is the best person because she is great with detail and questions to ask. We brought most of our own equipment with us including paddles, VHF, chats/maps, tow belts and lines, etc. The regret for gear was the weight of our bags and not bringing our own PFDs-- a mistake on our part. Although the kayak rental company provided PFD--these were windsurfing PFDs--uncomfortable and difficult to rotate while paddling. So, imagine paddling a tub and wearing a windsurfing pfd that prevented you from rotating. I grew to love my Epic paddle because it was the only thing I had going for me for mobility.

2. Get Deb to bring the peanut butter. This girl had enough peanut butter to last us in case St. John's inhabitants had a revolt and, we could not leave the island for the next 20 years.

3. Listen to Bob Baldridge when he tells you to be careful. The Carribean waters are deceptive. Calm and crystal blue waters, easy right? I don't think so--the winds change and currents change as you paddle and there are very few if any nautical hazard markers or indicators--the waters surrounding the virgin islands as well as boat traffic means consistently monitoring what is going on around you while paddling--VHFs a must. The topographical maps from National Geographic were actually more helpful than the nautical charts. Thank you Bob, can't tell you how many times we said, "...you know, Bob was right!"

4. Currents are a big deal even though there is little or no reference to currents on nautical charts or topographical maps that describe snorkling spots -- I had a great time snorkling and paddling. However, one day, Karen, Deb and I were snorkling in Waterlemon Bay. AS Karen and I were snorkling close to each, I decided to go one way and Karen the other way. Before I knew it, I got caught in a current and was carried out--could not swim back to the beach-yelled for help--no one heard- tried to get to shore through the rocks but was getting stabbed by some rock creature--couldn't get out of the current even though I was swimming crosswise against the current--kept yelling for help--finally a man came out to save me because he could hear me and see me--happened in a matter of minutes. Waterlemon Bay is a popular snorkling spot on St. John's with many people snorkling the waters--yet, there are no warning markers or signs for strong currents--after I got on the beach and was able to catch my breath and calm down, I saw two more people swept out by current--watch out for current when snorkling and wear a whistle on your bathing suit (Karen's idea).

5. Iguanas chase you. Your paddling girl friends will tell you that Iguanas don't eat people but it is had to believe when they chase you down the beach.

6. Stay at St. John's Maho Bay Campgrounds because it is eco-tourism at its best by teaching guests the importance and merits of natural resources conservation without being preachy.

7. Chocolate melts, particularly when it is next to your palm pilot. If it ever happens to you, ask Karen how to get melted chocolate off a palm pilot.

8. This was a great trip that the three of us put together and are talking about doing this trip next year. A good time of year to get out of the winter cold, inexpensive, and an opportunity to travel with very special fellow paddlers Karen and Deb--Thanks to you both for making this trip one of my most treasured paddling experiences. Les

way cool, Sing--les

Alas, the final Chinatown pool session is this Saturday--the people who have slots:

jason k.

leslie b & deb d-share a boat

dan & linda lacey--spotters

Werner M

Suzanne P

Jim Hurley

Linda S.

brian n.

.

david c.

did i miss anyone who signed up for a slot???? let me know asap and i will accomadate as best I can--if you want to be on the wait list: lbeale at spfldcol dot edu.

see you sat--

Brian and others,

If you need to get epoxy out of your hair--trust me I know after working on my night heron--try white vinegar--it gets it off your hands, hair, and plastic tools like squeegies, whatever--for hair, use the vinegar as a shampoo first--then use your regular shampoo--to get rid of the smell of vinegar--for plastic tools, just soak in vinegar overnite or less--the stuff peels off--les

Ditto--short of being on the water paddling, a close second for fun is spending the day working on my boat with the people I am fortunate enough to paddle with--thank you Brian for consultations, Rick whose backrest design lives on in John Leonard's boat and mine--a definite example of "pass it forward"--and John Leonard for working with me on seat padding with custom wedge design--so now I have body-specific backrest and seat padding with side padding--all for 20 bucks--thank you much--les

I will be there on 1/29--bring my all-most completed night heron--I am interested in copying Richard N.'s foam seating he put in his Romany (???)--all I know is that it required lots of thick blue foam--les

Suz,

I am interested--but can only do it for 3 Tuesdays in January--I teach on Tuesday nights--is that okay or do you want people who can give you more time commitment? I am particularly interested in a better understanding of tides and currents as part of the navigation discussions--les

I am interested-have some outfitting to do on the Night Heron--want to work on the seat--what Richard N. did for his seat looked particularly comfortable--thank you Brian for this opportunity--les