Utilizing the Group During Recoveries

If you paddle with others you should be thinking of ways to utilize the members of your group whenever possible, especially during capsize recoveries. During traditional assisted recovery techniques the person assisting either stabilized the kayak or helped lift the kayak to drain water.

It is sad to say but I have witnessed assisted recoveries where it was evident that the assister could have used some help and the rest of the group just watched from their kayaks not thinking about how they could have helped.

I am also sorry to say there are still kayak instructors who neglect teaching the "utilizing the group" concept to their students. Many folks will only use what they have been taught. Therefore, it behooves us to spread the word on utilizing the group whenever possible.

Let's look at a few ways to better utilize the group.

When the person in the water decides to climb onto the back deck why not have another kayaker set up on the opposite side and reach across the two kayaks and help pull the paddler onto their back deck. By lying over the decks the extra helper will not capsize because the kayaks are supporting her or him.

If the paddler uses a feet first method of re-entry between the kayaks then the extra helper could reach across and grab a hand or a PFD.

Again, utilize the support of the kayak to keep yourself from capsizing while you reach across to help.

I have often seen others watch while one person struggles to try and drain the water out of a kayak. This is a perfect time to get others involved.

Two people could be lifting the kayak instead of one. If need be, a third helper could also get involved. These extra helpers are especially useful when trying to drain water from a double

When it comes time to pump the water out of a kayak why not use additional pumps. Extra hands usually means extra pumps if everyone is properly prepared.

If two helpers get on either side of the kayak full of water then three could be pumping.

These are just a few of the ways in which extra paddlers can make the recovery process easier and more importantly "faster." Remember, one of our goals is to minimize exposure to the elements.

I am sure there are many other ways extra hands can be helpful. Discuss the concept with your paddling partners and see if you can come up with others.