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how to get back on an ocean kayak?
Hi,
I have a *real* newbie question he I have an ocean kayak, a Wilderness Systems Tarpon 100 (a sit-on-top), which I use in the Florida marshes. It is very stable, but should I tip and fall off - is there a best way to get back on? I realize, that you might suggest "just try it out" but this would not be a good idea in the *very* gator-infested waters I paddle on. So rather than trying it out and spending too much time on trial and error while in the water (not to mention splashing) I rather pick your brain for your experience: when I do eventually fall in the water I would like to get back on top of the kayak real real fast :-) So - what's the fastest way back up? Thanks! |
how to get back on an ocean kayak?
"andrei" wrote in message om... Hi, I have a *real* newbie question he I have an ocean kayak, a Wilderness Systems Tarpon 100 (a sit-on-top), which I use in the Florida marshes. It is very stable, but should I tip and fall off - is there a best way to get back on? I realize, that you might suggest "just try it out" but this would not be a good idea in the *very* gator-infested waters I paddle on. So rather than trying it out and spending too much time on trial and error while in the water (not to mention splashing) I rather pick your brain for your experience: when I do eventually fall in the water I would like to get back on top of the kayak real real fast :-) So - what's the fastest way back up? Thanks! With 'gators in the water I'd be able to walk on water! Up over the back is the usual solo re entry process, push down on the stern, and pull yourself up onto the rear deck, legs dangling in the water, slide forward until you are back in your seat, legs in, retrieve paddle, check for missing body parts! |
how to get back on an ocean kayak?
"Roger Martin" wrote in
: "andrei" wrote in message om... Hi, I have a *real* newbie question he I have an ocean kayak, a Wilderness Systems Tarpon 100 (a sit-on-top), which I use in the Florida marshes. It is very stable, but should I tip and fall off - is there a best way to get back on? I realize, that you might suggest "just try it out" but this would not be a good idea in the *very* gator-infested waters I paddle on. So rather than trying it out and spending too much time on trial and error while in the water (not to mention splashing) I rather pick your brain for your experience: when I do eventually fall in the water I would like to get back on top of the kayak real real fast :-) So - what's the fastest way back up? Thanks! With 'gators in the water I'd be able to walk on water! Up over the back is the usual solo re entry process, push down on the stern, and pull yourself up onto the rear deck, legs dangling in the water, slide forward until you are back in your seat, legs in, retrieve paddle, check for missing body parts! This would probably go a bit easier if you let your feet come to the surface and think of swimming onto the kayak as you push down and pull forward on the stern. Keeping your head low to the deck until you're ready to sit makes it easier as well. |
how to get back on an ocean kayak?
Actually the most common method of getting back onto a SOT is to "swim" your chest up and over the seat from the side of the boat. Then you simply roll over so you are seated in the boat side saddled, with both legs hanging off the same side of the boat. From there it is a very simple matter to twist and throw your legs back up onto the boat. Most people are able to easily accomplish this technique with some practice. However, some people have problems with it. Really overweight folks and people with poor upper body strength for example. So the key here is to practice BEFORE you need it, and to continue practicing on a regular basis so that it becomes second nature and you don't have to think/worry about it. You needn't practice in the gator infested waters. Find a local swimming hole, or even a neighbors pool to practice in. Now I don't paddle in gator water, but I just got back from visiting some friends in Australia who told me stories of crocodiles coming out of the water and taking paddlers right off of their SOT's. I was not able to actually verify the stories (and we all know how them Aussies love to tell stories :-) but I might rethink the SOT for paddling in gator territory. Then again, I think I'll just stick with the west coast of North America and let you guys sweat the big lizards :-)) Scott So.Cal. |
how to get back on an ocean kayak?
Up over the back is the usual solo re entry process, push down on the stern, and pull yourself up onto the rear deck, legs dangling in the water, slide forward until you are back in your seat, legs in, retrieve paddle, check for missing body parts! This would probably go a bit easier if you let your feet come to the surface and think of swimming onto the kayak as you push down and pull forward on the stern. Keeping your head low to the deck until you're ready to sit makes it easier as well. Gotcha! Thanks for the advice. Cheers, Andrei |
how to get back on an ocean kayak?
Everything Scott says is right on the money-that is the easiest way to get
back on (I know from practicing) and never assume because you read how to do something you will be able to do it when the need arises- PRACTICE!!! "Ki Ayker" wrote in message ... Actually the most common method of getting back onto a SOT is to "swim" your chest up and over the seat from the side of the boat. Then you simply roll over so you are seated in the boat side saddled, with both legs hanging off the same side of the boat. From there it is a very simple matter to twist and throw your legs back up onto the boat. Most people are able to easily accomplish this technique with some practice. However, some people have problems with it. Really overweight folks and people with poor upper body strength for example. So the key here is to practice BEFORE you need it, and to continue practicing on a regular basis so that it becomes second nature and you don't have to think/worry about it. You needn't practice in the gator infested waters. Find a local swimming hole, or even a neighbors pool to practice in. Now I don't paddle in gator water, but I just got back from visiting some friends in Australia who told me stories of crocodiles coming out of the water and taking paddlers right off of their SOT's. I was not able to actually verify the stories (and we all know how them Aussies love to tell stories :-) but I might rethink the SOT for paddling in gator territory. Then again, I think I'll just stick with the west coast of North America and let you guys sweat the big lizards :-)) Scott So.Cal. |
gators vs crocs
Now I don't paddle in gator water, but I just got back from visiting some
friends in Australia who told me stories of crocodiles coming out of the water and taking paddlers right off of their SOT's. I was not able to actually verify the stories (and we all know how them Aussies love to tell stories :-) but I might rethink the SOT for paddling in gator territory. Then again, I think I'll just stick with the west coast of North America and let you guys sweat the big lizards :-)) Scott So.Cal. Hi Scott, Just a short note on gators. They are *not* crocs and I never heard of a non-provoked attack on a kayak in Florida even though there are tens of thousands of kayaks and gators all over the state. Gators are always around, and to most local kayakers they are really not too much of a concern. I just happen to be a little more nervous since I moved here only a year ago and began kayaking only a couple of days ago (before - I only used canoes). Finally - I can't imagine why a SOT would be less of a target for an autralian croc than a regular kayak. When canoeing I passed very close to large gators (once I was about 4 feet away form a 10 foot gator in a narrow passage and all he did was to slowly dive to the bottom of the creek). The only dangerous gator I ever saw here was one which had been fed by some morons. He actually lunged at people (and was later removed by Fish and Wildlife). I suppose that my worst fear would be to startle a large gator in a narrow passage and have him wack his tail (they do that when they are ****ed) and throw me off the kayak. I also hear that females can be territorial and agressive when their eggs hatch. Anyway - I just wanted to tell you that in 99% of circumstances Florida gators are not Australian crocs. The last 1% is what makes me a little nervous I suppose ;-) Cheers, Andrei |
gators vs crocs
....stuff deleted
Hi Scott, Just a short note on gators. They are *not* crocs and I never heard of a non-provoked attack on a kayak in Florida even though there are tens of thousands of kayaks and gators all over the state. ....more gone Watching the "Croc. Hunter" on TV with my son, I gathered he feels that gators are, for want of a better word, tame. Despite their size and obvious ability to hunt man, they seldom do so (though there was a golfer who learned that there are limits to their patience - pictures available on the internet, should you feel so inclined). Anyway - I just wanted to tell you that in 99% of circumstances Florida gators are not Australian crocs. The last 1% is what makes me a little nervous I suppose ;-) The Aussie crocs (particularly the salt water beasties) are a serious threat, however. One should probably treat them with the same resect one would with a polar bear (if you see one, you're too close). Rick |
how to get back on an ocean kayak?
----- Original Message ----- From: andrei Newsgroups: rec.boats.paddle.touring Sent: Monday, October 20, 2003 3:50 PM Subject: how to get back on an ocean kayak? Hi, I have a *real* newbie question he I have an ocean kayak, a Wilderness Systems Tarpon 100 (a sit-on-top), which I use in the Florida marshes. It is very stable, but should I tip and fall off - is there a best way to get back on? I realize, that you might suggest "just try it out" but this would not be a good idea in the *very* gator-infested waters I paddle on. So rather than trying it out and spending too much time on trial and error while in the water (not to mention splashing) I rather pick your brain for your experience: when I do eventually fall in the water I would like to get back on top of the kayak real real fast :-) So - what's the fastest way back up? Thanks! andrei wrote in message om... Hi, I have a *real* newbie question he I have an ocean kayak, a Wilderness Systems Tarpon 100 (a sit-on-top), which I use in the Florida marshes. It is very stable, but should I tip and fall off - is there a best way to get back on? I realize, that you might suggest "just try it out" but this would not be a good idea in the *very* gator-infested waters I paddle on. So rather than trying it out and spending too much time on trial and error while in the water (not to mention splashing) I rather pick your brain for your experience: when I do eventually fall in the water I would like to get back on top of the kayak real real fast :-) So - what's the fastest way back up? Thanks!I dunno, but whatever technique that works I would practice, lets say in some swimming pool till it became second nature just in case I ended up upside down countin' gators. But- thats just me... john |
gators vs crocs
Watching the "Croc. Hunter" on TV with my son, I gathered he feels that gators are, for want of a better word, tame. Despite their size and obvious ability to hunt man, they seldom do so (though there was a golfer who learned that there are limits to their patience - pictures available on the internet, should you feel so inclined). well, I believe that the famous golfer pictures are actually a scam and that this is not a gator, but a croc. I am not sure where I read this, but this is something I read on the net. The Aussie crocs (particularly the salt water beasties) are a serious threat, however. One should probably treat them with the same resect one would with a polar bear (if you see one, you're too close). Rick I have some African friends who told me how formidable and dangerous crocs are. In fact, my high school biology teacher who was making some photos of cros in Africa was attacked and killed. This is dramatically different from US gators. But, keep in mind that the gator is *not* inherently somehow smaller of weaker. I once saw a 14 foot gator lunge at an adult man and it was a very scary sight: hte guy only survived because the gator tried to challenge and scare him rather than eat him. Only one small foot or two separated this guys from some truly huge jaws. So corner or startle a gator and you got yourself a very good croc substitute. regards, Andrei |
gators vs crocs
"andrei" wrote in message om... Watching the "Croc. Hunter" on TV with my son, I gathered he feels that gators are, for want of a better word, tame. Despite their size and obvious ability to hunt man, they seldom do so (though there was a golfer who learned that there are limits to their patience - pictures available on the internet, should you feel so inclined). well, I believe that the famous golfer pictures are actually a scam and that this is not a gator, but a croc. I am not sure where I read this, but this is something I read on the net. Could be. Gators aren't known for swallowing folks whole, but tend to thrash and tear off large chunks. In any case, they are formidable animals whose attitudes could well be worse than they are. ....stuff deleted I have some African friends who told me how formidable and dangerous crocs are. In fact, my high school biology teacher who was making some photos of cros in Africa was attacked and killed. This is dramatically different from US gators. But, keep in mind that the gator is *not* inherently somehow smaller of weaker. I once saw a 14 foot gator lunge at an adult man and it was a very scary sight: hte guy only survived because the gator tried to challenge and scare him rather than eat him. Only one small foot or two separated this guys from some truly huge jaws. So corner or startle a gator and you got yourself a very good croc substitute. Personally, I'd give gators plenty of room. They may not have the bad attitude attributed to crocs, but their size, speed, and jaws must give one pause. Of course, unlike folks who feed sharks, I have an aversion to being eaten. While death may or may not be in the cards tomorrow, I'd generally prefer not to be some critter's meal. Rick |
gators vs crocs
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gators vs crocs
There was a TV news piece on a doctor paddling a yellow fiberglass kayak
attacked last year in S. Florida waters. Think the story also appeared in Paddler mag. It was a new boat, and he had never had problems in his red kayak with gators, but figured the large male that attacked thought he was seeing the under-throat of another male encroaching in his territory. I've been watching for more details, since I am planning at trip to the Keys this winter. Four years ago, a woman friend's husband was pulled from their tandem by crocks in Africa while on their honeymoon. They had been paddling in India, prior to this leg of the trip, and had experience around large crocks. She had only seconds to fight off the attack, and fortunately stayed upright. She said her husband's paddle was taken at first, and he held on thinking he could wrestle it from the crock. Authorities found only bits of clothing downriver. They said the "real" danger was hippos, not crocks for small boats. Cheers, Vic "andrei" wrote in message om... Now I don't paddle in gator water, but I just got back from visiting some friends in Australia who told me stories of crocodiles coming out of the water and taking paddlers right off of their SOT's. I was not able to actually verify the stories (and we all know how them Aussies love to tell stories :-) but I might rethink the SOT for paddling in gator territory. Then again, I think I'll just stick with the west coast of North America and let you guys sweat the big lizards :-)) Scott So.Cal. Hi Scott, Just a short note on gators. They are *not* crocs and I never heard of a non-provoked attack on a kayak in Florida even though there are tens of thousands of kayaks and gators all over the state. Gators are always around, and to most local kayakers they are really not too much of a concern. I just happen to be a little more nervous since I moved here only a year ago and began kayaking only a couple of days ago (before - I only used canoes). Finally - I can't imagine why a SOT would be less of a target for an autralian croc than a regular kayak. When canoeing I passed very close to large gators (once I was about 4 feet away form a 10 foot gator in a narrow passage and all he did was to slowly dive to the bottom of the creek). The only dangerous gator I ever saw here was one which had been fed by some morons. He actually lunged at people (and was later removed by Fish and Wildlife). I suppose that my worst fear would be to startle a large gator in a narrow passage and have him wack his tail (they do that when they are ****ed) and throw me off the kayak. I also hear that females can be territorial and agressive when their eggs hatch. Anyway - I just wanted to tell you that in 99% of circumstances Florida gators are not Australian crocs. The last 1% is what makes me a little nervous I suppose ;-) Cheers, Andrei |
gators vs crocs
Just to add my $.02. As has been pointed out, alligators are not
crocodiles, and for the most part crocodiles are reputed to have a much meaner disposition. I think about the only place in the world that you can even find alligators and crocodiles together is in the very tip of south Florida, and even then your chances of coming across a crocodile aren't all that good. I painted eyeballs on the front of my kayak, and after thinking about it decided I might have made a terrible mistake. I live in central Florida now, go kayaking a lot here, and thought (belatedly) that I might frighten some critters. That certainly hasn't been my experience. I guess that alligators and other critters that I might get scared of, see me as something too big to eat, but then I am obviously not one of *them*, nor do I look like anything else they have seen. Critters keep their distance from me, as I think they may be afraid I might eat them, but they don't flee in terror, neither do they associate me with food or a threat. I don't go poking alligators with a stick, and I try to give them a pretty wide berth, but I am nowhere near as paranoid about them as I first was. I worry about biting flies a *whole* lot more now. Galen Hekhuis NpD, JFR, GWA Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups |
gators vs crocs
There was a TV news piece on a doctor paddling a yellow fiberglass kayak
attacked last year in S. Florida waters. Think the story also appeared in Paddler mag. It was a new boat, and he had never had problems in his red kayak with gators, but figured the large male that attacked thought he was seeing the under-throat of another male encroaching in his territory. I've been watching for more details, since I am planning at trip to the Keys this winter. Keys=salt. Gators=Freshwater -- at least most of the time. I regularly paddle in Tampa Bay (salt). A few years ago there was a gator in one of the local bayous at the mouth of a little creek. Surprised a lot of people by its presence -- which only lasted some 6 months or so. I also fairly regularly paddle in a local lake that has hundreds of gators. I've seen 20 or more in a hour of paddling. The bottom of my boat has been bumped by spooked gators fleeing the approach of my fearsome vessel and swimming from shore to deeper water (Not too swift, running toward what you're trying to get away from, but nobody ever accused a gator of genius). And, I did once put the boat on a ramming course with a big gator -- he ducked, I was beyond the point of being able to change course. Mostly, however, they start getting out of the way as soon as I'm within a hundred yards or so of them. Gators are not crocs. -- David Kiewit www.patent-faq.com (1) 727 866 0669 5901 Third Street South St. Petersburg FL US 33705 |
gators vs crocs
Well all this discussion about crocs must have put the hex on some poor 19
year old who was hunting a few geese in Australia's Northern Territory. One of the delightful crocs decides he is easier meat than the geese and grabs him. Luckily his aunt was nearby and "punched the croc on the nose" (I kid you not thats how its been reported) and swimming away. So now you have the remedy for croc attacks - 1. Always carry your aunty on the deck in an easily accessible position. 2. Make sure she has trained with Mike Tyson. -- www.bribieisland4x4hire.com VW Kombi Camper Buy Backs Landcruiser Troopy - Toyota Hilux Crew Cab Mitsubishi Pajero - Landrover V8 Swag Camper |
how to get back on an ocean kayak?
"John" wrote in message ...
----- Original Message ----- From: andrei Newsgroups: rec.boats.paddle.touring Sent: Monday, October 20, 2003 3:50 PM Subject: how to get back on an ocean kayak? I surf SOTs in ocean waves, get knocked off many times each session, and have to get back on before I get pounded by the next wave. There are 2 steps that you need to be ready for. First, you may have to turn the boat right-side up. The easiest way to do this is at the side of the boat, reaching under, lifting up the near side and flipping or throwing it over. Two, get in. I've always found it faster to get in from the side but it depends on the style of your boat. A boat with high sides may be hard to get back in regardless. If speed is your concern I would practice getting in from the side so you can flip it right-side up (if you have to) and climb in without having to waste time changing positions in the water. Wear a PFD! Jacob |
how to get back on an ocean kayak?
I surf SOTs in ocean waves, get knocked off many times each session, and have to get back on before I get pounded by the next wave. There are 2 steps that you need to be ready for. First, you may have to turn the boat right-side up. The easiest way to do this is at the side of the boat, reaching under, lifting up the near side and flipping or throwing it over. Two, get in. I've always found it faster to get in from the side but it depends on the style of your boat. A boat with high sides may be hard to get back in regardless. If speed is your concern I would practice getting in from the side so you can flip it right-side up (if you have to) and climb in without having to waste time changing positions in the water. Wear a PFD! Jacob And the winner is...... ......... getting in from the side! Thanks y'all for your advice. I ended up practicing in the Intercoastal River and it is, indeed, really easy to get in from the side. (-: now I am ready for the gator infested waters of our marshes and rivers I suppoe/hope :-) Kind regards! |
gators vs crocs
"Roger Martin" wrote in message ... 1. Always carry your aunty on the deck in an easily accessible position. 2. Make sure she has trained with Mike Tyson. If she had trained with Mike Tyson she would have *bitten* the croc's ears off... ;-) Katherine |
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