I often find myself challenged to find the appropriate name for the kayaker
who wet exits and ends up in the water. I have used swimmer, paddler in the
water, rescuee, capsizee, squirmin' hatch blower (I think I picked that one
up from the Tsunami Rangers) and I have used victim on occasion. I usually cringe
when I use the word victim. Victim has very specific connotations in my mind.
My trusty Webster’s dictionary defines victim as the following: one that
is injured, destroyed, or sacrificed under any of various conditions (ie: cancer,
auto crash, murder, etc.) In all of my years of kayaking I have had very few
victims in the water. However, I have had numerous able bodied capsizees who
were very capable of being helpful in their own recovery.
As a side note, I also shy away from rescue when
possible because that also implies the person in the water is in need of assistance.
My Webster defines rescue as to free from confinement, danger or evil. As a
result of my experience and teaching philosophy I only use the term rescue when
there is an emergency or serious injury.
If there is a simple capsize and the swimmer is dressed for immersion then capsize
recovery is the phrase I use when exploring ways to get the swimmer back into
their kayak. I believe training proper attitude along with the actual skills
is very important. If we are properly trained and outfitted it is less likely
we will have an emergency and a capsize would be no big deal.
After observing many different instructors over the years I believe a significant number of them are instilling a victim type behavior as a result of their training. It is common for the swimmer to be trained to be passive and stay by their kayak and just wait for help to arrive. It is also common to then have them stay out of the way (for their own safety) while their partner does all the work. While there are sound arguments for this approach I want to offer some ideas for your consideration.
Let look at ways the swimmer can be aggressive and helpful in a capsize recovery. First I would like to see the person in the water practice yelling, calling, using a whistle and waving their arm to attract help after they wet exit. In addition they should also mimic getting to their signal kit. Even if the paddler in the water is going to do a solo recovery it is important for them to make contact with the group so the group doesn’t get to far away. It is also nice to have someone nearby in case the situation changes.
If you want an assist then you need to help yourself while you are being helped. The swimmer should be swimming their kayak (bow first) toward their helper. This let’s the helper know which end is the bow. Rear bulkheaded kayaks usually have less drag when pulled bow first. The swimming action also generates some body heat, which is usually helpful (depending on water temperature and your immersion clothing.) In addition, you can help get the bow of the kayak next to the cockpit of your helper instead of totally depending on the helper’s maneuvering skills. Remember that reducing your immersion time is important.
If you and the helper decide to drain the water before you re-enter your kayak you can either stay out of the way, (which is usually standard practice) or you can help lift the kayak to your partner and help support it while it is draining. You can also stabilize your partner’s kayak while they do the draining.
When it comes time for you to re-enter your kayak you should be telling your helper which way you like to re-enter and see if they can stabilize your kayak accordingly. Not everyone likes re-entering their kayak the same way so dialog between the two parties is important. Once back in the kayak you should be specific with your partner as to how long you wish for them to stabilize your kayak.
If you are trained to just sit and wait for help you may not fit the definition of victim but you are exhibiting victim behavior. After a capsize the paddler in the water should be actively pursuing a course of action that will get them back in their kayak with their kayak and their attitude sea worthy again. You should have solo options and assisted options (if fellow kayakers are near) in your recovery repertoire if you wish to keep from becoming a victim.
Wayne Horodowich
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