How Rescue Drills Work In Kayaking

Coastal Cruising Rescue Drills

Now that you kayaked across rivers, lakes, Inlands, bends, you probably instilled the notion in your head to voyage the coastlines. True kayakers tend to crave new water experiences. Most true kayakers would enjoy the challenge that the sea could bring.

If you are one of these people it is our hope that you have sound experience that will back you along your journey. If you've ventured the Inlands, lakes, rivers, and so forth, as well as the white/black waters, then you know that the waters could lead to fatalities and severe injuries. While you hear reports in newspapers about kayak incidents, realize that most of the kayaker injuries and/or fatalities are because the kayak did not follow 'ALL KAYAKERS' rules. In fact, the majority of reports show that during a, capsize the passenger(s) left their boat. The boat is your support. Floating in the middle of the sea without a boat…we won't go into details. Now we can learn rescue drills, which assuming you are experienced, you probably already have the drills down pat. Still, for those of you still learning, the details could perhaps offer you new information.

How rescue drills work:
Preparing for all contingencies at sea is the first and foremost step you will take. You can prepare by imaging yourself at sea and picturing high and low tidal waves. Visualize how you will handle the situation. Now, visualize a hurricane or tornado claiming your path. How will you handle the situation? The rule of thumb is to practice strokes and rolls in calm waters before venturing off to sea, and mastering the Eskimo roll.

How many drills must I master?
Three…
Master the Eskimo Roll contemplatively. Number one, I will repeat this one last time, master the Eskimo Roll. The second rescue drill is to master the 'Two man Eskimo rescue,' and then the 'three man,' Eskimo rescue. The only way the Eskimo rescues will fail you in most instances, if you go down with sail. In other words, coastline cruisers take sails, rigs, and daggers along their trip, which is smart. However, if the winds are high and you fail to drop you sail, you should pray, since the Eskimo Rolls may not work in your favor.

How do I prepare to master the Eskimo rolls?
You practice in all sorts of waters. In addition, you practice the tactic in water while using your paddles, and then without your paddles. The key to mastering the Eskimo rolls is to pre-practice, practice, and then practice some more. If you plan your sea trip ahead of time, set up a master schedule that will include practice time as frequently as possible.