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| A confident looking bunch of paddlers! |
The forecast was for for a mild westerly at 12 to 14 knots and as we launched it seemed slightly less than that, indicated by the fact that there were no whitecaps on the water. As can be seen by the wind graphs alongside, the wind picked up very quickly after we left. The group seemed to be handling the conditions downwind pretty well and we headed towards the cave where we stopped to have a look at it and assess, as it offered a bit of wind shelter. Some of the less strong paddlers decided to turn back at this point but the rest of the group wanted to proceed a little further. Less than a kilometre further on it continued to get worse so the rest of the group turned back. I was estimating around 20 knots, gusting to 25 around now.
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| Look how perfect our launch timing was - NOT |
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| Relaxing outside the cave. Wind? What wind? |
I learned later that there had been a couple of capsizes in the groups and those people were safely rescued. The groups stayed together as they should and got home safely. Please let us have your stories of the incidents.
Now those paddlers on this trip need to consider the events. Were you confident in your rescue techniques? Can everyone competently do a T rescue? Did you buddy up properly? If you were alone and capsized could you cope? What would you do? Did you make the correct decision in leaving early or not waiting for the trip leader?
Interesting note - do you remember the two fishing kayaks that were launching the same time as we were? They were badly caught out and blown well offshore when the wind picked up. Apparently one of them fell in and could not get back onto the ski but fortunately they were spotted by a fishing boat and picked up.
And whoever lost their white new balance cap, I picked it up. Collect it at the shop.
Monday looks glorious, anyone for Cape Point?
Derek
The plan was to take Ted (a writer and journalist from New York) on a picturesque adventure to Cape Point in perfect weather conditions. I pictured him having an amazing and inspiring experience with hopefully plenty of wild life and all the scenic splendour of that part of the peninsula. I imagined he would go back home and write a riveting account of his journey for a sports magazine and Derek would be inundated with eager New Yorkers hungry for the same experience.
ReplyDeleteThe reality was slightly different …. The only wild life we saw were huge marauding baboons intent on stealing our food. Ted thought they would probably scare the hell out of most Americans.
Although the wind was already blowing a good deal harder than we had been led to believe it would (do not always trust Windfinder), I felt pretty confident in our Kaskazi Duo and chose to take the controls. With the wind and wind swell pushing us along however I was not controlling much and we were soon zigzagging erratically and finding it difficult to maintain a smooth paddling rhythm. By the time we reached the rallying point at the cave I should have wised up and turned for home but instead chose to follow Derek and co. to the next point. The wise turned for home.
Poor Ted! I knew he was tough because he often joined my masters swim sessions and never begged for mercy but more importantly I knew he could swim well. I assured him that as soon as we turned around I would regain control of the rudder as we would be heading straight into the wind. I didn’t realise then that when we turned the wind would suddenly intensify and start pumping at well over 20 knots and that we would have to fight it every inch of the way back to Buffels. At any minute I expected Ted to turn his head, flash me his charming smile and tell me he had had enough. To my relief he kept his steady rhythm and even displayed admirable calm during a recue when one of the single kayaks turned turtle .He then had to battle the elements alone because I managed to lose my paddle during the rescue and by now the conditions were really frightful. Fortunately my paddle was rescued by another kayaker (big thank you) and the battle continued.
We heard loud noises coming from another duo but couldn’t tell if they were cries for help, shouts of encouragement or curses flung at the elements. I was blinded by the sea spray and deafened by the wind and by then my hat had slipped over my face. I decided it was every man for him self at this stage and best that we got back as quickly as possible to call the N.S.R.I. I no longer cared if Ted was having fun, was safe or was a New York journalist who could possibly sue me. Helping me reach the shore was all I required of him and fortunately he had had navy training at some stage – his paddle never faulted.
When we eventually staggered out of our Kayak and slipped and slithered through the rotting kelp onto the shore, the relief was immense especially when we were told that the Sea Rescue team had already been summoned for the kayakers still on the water. Thank God for the N.S.R.I. … and that New Yorkers are so tough.
A special thanks to Derek for getting everyone back in one piece yet again.
If Ted does decide to write about his experience, I suggest he sends it to an Extreme Sports magazine!
Margot King
my thanks to Margot and the others who assisted me when I fell out (twice). The assistance and encouragement from the group was incredible. What we didn't do was try the T rescue and in hindsight I don't know whether we would have succeeded in the wind and chop - I will try the technique out next next time.
ReplyDeleteAs for the exact rescue I was surprised how easily I did get back into my kayak once it was being stabilised by other paddlers (the incentive of cold water obviously helped). Having a pump was a definite advantage. Loosing the Sharks water bottle Anne force on me was a bonus.
What I did realise, after I fell in the second time immediately after getting back in the first time is that it is far easier to get your balance and start paddling again if the nose of the kayak is pointed into the wind (and swell). By the time I got righted the first time the kayaks were at right angles to the wind and I hadn't even taken a paddle when I tipped out again. I did nearly fall out a third time but managed to grab hold of Anne's kayak. I would not be able to get back into a kayak unassisted - the only option would be a swim.
Once I got pointed in the right direction and paddling it was just a long, hard paddle back to Buffels and the cars and other paddlers were a very welcome sight.
Will I try Cape Point again? YES...
Cape Point is always an adventure. Our encounter with the whale on the first trip, and these challenging weather conditions on the second. We learned a lot - how quickly the conditions can change, how tough it is to help someone get back into their kayak in these conditions and how to "fasbyt" and just paddle till you're back safe. Will I do a third trip to Cape Point - wouldn't miss it for the world!!!
ReplyDeleteAnne
hanks to Derek for his guidance and support. Not sure about the "flowery youth" comment ! The cave is certainly a great place to escape the wind. We floated in there very comfortably for about an hour while the wind pumped round the corner. Thanks also to the NSRI for the pickup and trip home. Definitely a better option than battling the wind back to Buffels by the sound of the other stories. We better hone our survival skills and equipment - need to be prepared for the unexpected.
ReplyDeleteBart and the "Cavemen"
Sounds lovely, I am a novice in these waters and would appreciate some company. Any chance to tag along on one of your trips? I used to K1 on the Tiber when I was 14 now 30+ years later I would love to try the sea! Regards Capt. Anthony Watterson
ReplyDeleteHi Anthony. If you have your own kayak then join the paddlers.co.za email list. If not then see http://www.kayakcapetown.co.za/
ReplyDelete