Beyond the T: Rescues for Sea Kayaks, Recreational Kayaks, Sit on Tops, Canoes and Other Paddlecraft
This class may be rescheduled to Sunday, 6/24, if there is more interest. All registrants and others interested in the alternate date should contact Steve Henkind so that we can discuss what type of boat(s) they will bring, goals for the class and preferred date.
DATE: Sunday June 17 (or 24), 2018, TIME: 8.00 – 4.00 (may end earlier, depending upon heat and/or thunderstorms)
LOCATION: 14012 Shady Shores Drive, Tampa Florida
LEVEL: Open to all levels of kayakers
THIS CLASS IS OPEN TO NO MORE THAN 10 MEMBERS
This course will be run by Steven Henkind (steven.henkind@gmail.com, 914-420-1615) and Jackie Whitaker. Steve is an ACA L4 Open Water Coastal Kayak Instructor, ACA L3 River Kayak Instructor, and ACA L1 Canoe Instructor. He is also certified as a Whitewater Rescue Technician, Professional. Jackie is an ACA L2 Essentials of Kayak Touring Instructor and is proficient at many rescues.
DESCRIPTION: Most sea kayakers are familiar with the T rescue. When well executed, T rescues are very effective and can be used in both flat and rough water. However, for certain types of situations, and for certain types of paddlers and paddlecraft, T rescues may be difficult … or not even possible. Indeed, last fall, 3 TBSK kayakers (including the two instructors for this course) happened upon two overturned kayakers who were not wearing PFDs, were unable to rescue themselves – or each other, and were in imminent danger of drowning. We successfully rescued them – but needed to use techniques other than a T rescue.
The focus of this class will be to put additional “tools into the rescue tool-box” for paddlers. We will practice a wide variety of rescue techniques and paddlecraft beyond just sea kayaks (e.g., we will be rescuing recreational kayaks, whitewater/surf kayaks, and, if available, sit on tops and canoes). Specific topics that we will cover will include:
• T Rescue (quick review)
• Reentry options including back deck, heel hook, “British style”
• X Rescue
• Scoop Rescue
• Hand of God Rescue
• Side Rescue
• Curl Rescue
• Equipment Assisted Rescues (paddlefloat, stirrups)
• Use of Throw Ropes
• Other topics tbd depending upon the interests of the group
This course will be taught in our backyard (i.e., Lake Magdalene, in the Carrollwood section of Tampa). All participants will be required to perform a wet exit, at the beginning of the class. If you don’t know how to do one, we will teach you.
Please register (and cancel) on the web site to allow notification of any changes.