First Practice Run. Lessons Learnt!

[tombo80]

The Plan for Today - Practice getting to grips with capsize/self rescue and reacquaint myself with a paddle.

First of all, it was great to get paddling. I had forgotten how genuinely exciting it is just to be back gliding across the water. It was my first time testing the my yak and also to see if I could remember how to paddle! I took out only the minimal; seat, paddle pfd & safety stuff etc. no fishing gear, though I had to force myself not to!

I chose a shallow beach and paddled out, it was a little choppy but I was never going out any further than waist/shoulder height.

I noticed my yak was being a bit temperamental and I capsized. I thought, ah well I guess it's time to start self rescue practice. I turned the yak over fine and then tried to mount it in the belly button over seat style. As I got up to sit it rolled over again and capsized...

This went on for a good half an hour, turn yak over, try to get on, yak rolls and tips me in the brine. I was beginning to get frustrated at myself, what was I doing wrong!? When I noticed the yak was sitting pretty low in the water. I realised I had made a potentially very dangerous error! I had forgotten to attach the waterproof neoprene hatch cover for the front hatch and the hull was now half full of water!

I walked the yak back to shore, emptied it and put the cover on properly. You can imagine what would have happened if I'd paddled straight out fully loaded in a haste to get fishing...

So with a fully floating yak I took off again. This time everything went correctly; the yak was gliding, my self rescue worked every time and I got a chance to get paddling. I have paddled before many years ago but not to any great level, it seems that paddling is like riding a bike, once learnt it sticks in you memory. Well, that and help from forums and youtube seemed to have me going ok.

So what did I learn? Always check over every aspect of the yak and equipment, don't be too hasty to get out there! I am seriously glad I only paddled in shallow water, a sinking kayak out to sea is a scary thought...

I have learnt that I am at the bottom rung of a ladder and that I am going to enjoy climbing it one step at a time.

Next time more of the same and some practice efforts using the features on the yak (rudder etc.)

[philpot]

Very well done Tom. It is not everyone who admits to making a simple mistake and what a lesson it has taught you, I bet you wont do that again in a rush.

Phil

[tombo80]

Apr 13, 2012 21:09:47 GMT -1 philpot said:

Very well done Tom. It is not everyone who admits to making a simple mistake and what a lesson it has taught you, I bet you wont do that again in a rush.

Phil

Nope, that'll be one of the first things I check lol.

[izzetafox]

Well done Tom. Your restraint in not taking fishing tackle proved correct.
That is why everyone advocates a clear deck to refine your initial skills.

Your report will convince other newstarters that this is the best way to get started. It is good to learn the self rescue and give yourself confidence. Next thing is to do it in deeper water.

Keep up the good work.

Terry

[BUDDY]

Well done Tom.
No shame in admitting a misshap as it could be a life saver for someone else.
Had you taken the fishing tackle with you it could have been a very different and expensive lesson.
Stay safe and enjoy.
Steve

[THURSOMAN]

Good for you Tom mate it takes a BIG man to mention a misshap like that.
Your highlighting it helps others to see what can happen.

Nice one mate and looking forward to hearing you progressing up that ladder and no doubt helping others do the same

Chris

[tombo80]

Thanks for the kind words and advice given. I don't have a problem admitting mistakes when I'm learning stuff. Helps me learn quicker and remember not to do them again!

Since this session I have been out a couple of times, I practiced surf entry and exit with one capsize Even in a small surf getting control of the capsized Yak was tricky.

I have practiced drogue deployment and have taken a rod out (with feathers) just to practice the feel of fishing. I didn't catch anything as I expected, but it felt great to be "fishing".

Now, I haven't been out for a bit as my wife and I have just bought a house, which means that fishing (or any fun activity) is now at the lower end of priorities...

Next time I go out, I'm going to practice anchor deployment and then maybe have my first proper fishing session! Can't wait!

[philpot]

Tom, if I may suggest something here. I very strongly believe everyone should go out with someone else who knows the ropes when it comes to using the anchor in order to gain confidence in this procedure.
I have actually had someone out with me when a problem was found with the anchor warp which I was able to free off but it could have caused a serious problem had he been on his own.

You only need to do the procedure once or twice and you would be fine.
Phil

[tombo80]

Hi Philpot, ideally I would like to go out with someone to do this and I have spoken to a couple of experienced fishing yakkers who are willing to accompany me out at some point. Would you not even recommend trying anchoring in an enclosed /shallow body of water, like a small lake or harbour?
Tom