Wasps, Wakas & Wallabies Nepal Update Getting ... - Canoe & Kayak

Technical
caught in a tree. To perform a rescue we first had to remove the kayak
from the middle of a strainer (a tree that acts like a net in the current). I
tried the standard rope systems and in doing so pulled the ten year old
pine tree that I had used as an anchor down a 4 metre slope. It was clear
to me at this point that all the river rescue systems I had been taught
could not deal with this situation. “What can I do now?” I asked myself
My thought process went along these lines.
1/ I need some way of exerting enormous pulling pressure on this trapped
kayak.
2/ I have already spent too much time using the only type of anchor point
available and risk pulling another tree down. What’s more, most of my
rescue gear is hopelessly tangled under a ton of tree and pumice.
3/ The water is moving fast and there is nothing dangerous downstream.
4/ If I attach my last throw rope’s end loop to the kayak and trail it
down stream how can I get the weight of the moving water to pull on
it as if we had a large sea anchor?
I have held onto both ends of many throw ropes during rescues
in the past. If you have ever done this, you will know the amazing
amount of pull that is generated. So the answer was to get the rest
of the kayakers who were at this stage watching the rescue from the
opposite bank to jump into the river and grab the rope attached to
the kayak.
With 15 people on the rope the kayak tore free of the tree and allowed
me access to where the kayaker was trapped and to continue with
the next stage of the rescue (which ended successfully).
The end result was using knowledge I had picked up from general
boating and sea kayaking combined with my knowledge of river
rescue systems - a successful rescue.
Take 5 Check List
During the Professional Development sessions in August we
worked on the draft “Take 5” check list. This has been developed
to encourage a more robust process/debate when embarking on
a kayaking activity.
Stan Lemmon, a Kayak Instructor from
Canoe & Kayak Hamilton and ‘Kermit’
The Take 5 check list translates as, “Take five minutes before you start to
assess safety”. In this context it works as a final checklist by listing areas
the group needs to discuss during the briefing to plan their safe trip. It
worked well while trialed during the Professional Development sessions,
feedback was incorporated and Take 5 forms are now available from
your local Canoe & Kayak shop. Drop in and grab one, trial it and any
ideas you have on improvements will be gratefully received.
I am running the Professional Development training days for Canoe &
Kayak’s Yakity Yak Club Leaders and Instructors year round. If you would
like to attend them please contact me at pete@canoeandkayak.co.nz or
by phone on 0274 529255.
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see us for all your training and equipment requirements.
freephone 0508 529 2569
canoeandkayak.co.nz
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