Hello out there…
Published August 24, 2009 | 
Here’s a video called, “How to do a “T” Rescue While Kayaking”… Yup, it’s one way and we all have our variations and preferences. However, it seems to me that the old idea of sending the paddler who’s in the water to the tail of their kayak to “push down” and assist the rescuer is simply a bad idea. In my myopic little world I thought that bit had passed the way of the Dodo. Here’s why…
First and foremost as a rescuer we probably don’t want someone in the water 17 feet away from us in conditions that caused them to go over. If for some reason they let go of their kayak and can’t grab right back on.. then what?
Next, and maybe most importantly I don’t need help lifting their kayak onto mine because I don’t lift it. If you simply right the boat while it’s in the water, the bow provides a ramp. You just slide it right up onto your kayak with very little force, then spin the kayak to dump the water out. Lifting a kayak, especially in the jarring conditions of bouncy water simply puts you at risk of injury.
Another problem in bouncy water is having that poor soul out there where their kayak could lift on a wave, then come down on them like a tree falling or worse if they have a rudder, a falling axe.
Personally I prefer the paddler I’m rescuing right up by me. I have them holding onto my kayak right in front of my eyes. This way I can talk to them and most importantly read how they are doing while I go through the process of draining their kayak.
As I said, there are lots of variances and preferences out there. Most are just fine. However, having a paddler dangling out there on the tail of their kayak just seems unnecessary and possibly dangerous. But again, I thought we were past that… What do you think?
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6 Responses to Hello out there…
Did you see the October Sea Kayaker? An article on ‘The Straddle-X Rescue’. Seems to fit your philosophy of tend to the swimmer first. Makes sense to me, but I am a beginner so what do I know
BTW, I Tweeted you yesterday…just figuring Twitter out too
Very old fashioned style of rescue Derrick. I also prefer the rescuee to use the leg in the cockpit then roll up into the boat style of re entry.
Will be travelling up to Sydney to test paddle one in November. Just looking of course……………
Hey! The Rockpool GT is available in Australia now
hmmm, it kind of makes sense, what you are saying.
I have usually told rescuees to go and help at the stern (in mild conditions in practice).
The rudder is a sticky point: I tell them to stay away from it if they have one.
I see your point though. Bring the kayak on deck, then turn it.
Lifting a loaded kayak turned upside down with little help at the stern is murder.
Will remember for next practice session and evaluate your point.
Thanks for the tip.
Thanks for the post! I have been taught both ways and had been thinking about pros/cons. Can’t wait to try the ramp method, I’ve always had a tough time lifting the boat up to drain it (and never tried lifting a fully loaded boat). Plus anytime I’ve practiced t-rescues the water has been pancake flat. Good points. What if the unfortunate paddler happens to inconveniently be in between his boat and your boat with the rough waves threatening to bring the two boats crashing together?
Hey Kellie, NEVER lift the boat.. I think you’ll find sliding a kayak up on the deck pretty easy. If they are loaded down it still can take a little muscle but not too much.. still sliding it up is much safer..
Regarding having the swimmer (or person in the water) on the side of my kayak, I still won’t have them between the kayaks since it will be in a T or I’ll have already moved them to the outside of their kayak.
Also sometimes we may put them on the bow..
also, also.. sometimes i may have them on the outside (opposite their kayak)
Also, Also, thrice … in rough conditions I may or may not do the ‘T’ and may just put them right back into their boat, then rafted up, we can pump it out together…
There are lots of variations that you can use. The leg-in that Geoff mentions is another very good way to get a paddler back into their kayak and one everyone should know as well.
If the rescuee goes to the bow of your boat, they can move out of the way while you spin the boat (not get trapped between), and they create a sea-anchor which turns you into the wind or current.