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Open Water Rescue / Capsize Recovery

Regardless whether you paddle on placid lakes or in storm-driven seas, the ability to get back in your boat or to aid another paddler to get back in his/her boat is a paramount skill every kayaker should know and practice. The classroom portion of this course will start with a discussion of the situations that can lead to capsize as well as how to avoid these situations. The activity portion of the class starts by teaching solo rescues such as the paddle float recovery, paddle float with a stirrup sling recovery, re-enter and roll, the cowboy crawl, and its variant, the pump and dump. The class will then move on to assisted recoveries such as the popular T-rescue and its variations, the Eskimo bow rescue, the scoop, Cleopatra’s needle, and the awesome ‘Hand of God’ rescue. This course will also cover the use of throw bags and how to tow kayakers to safety, as well as the use of signaling devices such as flares, signal mirrors, VHF radios, and the basics of how to handle being marooned and what to do when it all goes wrong. This three-hour course is definitely a ‘getting wet’ class and arriving dressed for immersion is an absolute must. Wetsuits and paddle jackets will be provided along with kayaks and other safety equipment.

Price: $75


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