: When reading the book “Sea Kayaker-Deep trouble” and other articles I was
: always interested in how the experts got into trouble. Usually hypothermia
: was what did them in or nearly so but what lead up to this? Expert rollers
: would have high waves and wind just keep dumping them and self-rescue and
: even assisted rescue didn’t work. Or after being dumped the kayak in
: currents or wind would have their kayak go one way and the paddle another
: and they would loose one or the other or both because the paddle wasn’t
: tethered. Hatch lids coming off or bow or stern floatation not effective
: or coming loose. If you can’t get back into your kayak or loose it then
: even dry suits won’t work if your are in cold water too long. Even reading
: the book “Babloona in the Yellow Kayak” I was shocked that until she was a
: ways into her kayaking journey in the artic circle she didn’t have a life
: jacket. What was she thinking?

: John

One other big thing, that most of us do, is not paddle in bad conditions alone. If you're with another kayak it increases the chances of survival considerably if you end up in the water.

Swimming in a drysuit while wearing a PFD is very slow at best, heck swimming wearing just the PFD is slow. The drysuit playing blow up toy doesn't help. If you have another boat that can assist with a rescue or at least get you to shore may make the difference.

Bill H.