I guess sometimes it comes from this false pretense that we all crave to be adrenalin junkies...but the last word translates, something akin to.... taking you head off and putting your cabbage on....when it comes to taking positive actions to limit becoming another statistic.
I don't know if it's the fact that I've been a Professional Fire Fighter for the last 28 years or the fact that I came from a strong culture being Trade Trained under the eagle eye of the Labour Department back in the day. You were explained to quite clearly, what the risks were if you cocked it up......and like anything in life you have to live with the consequences......and if it all goes tits up you'll end up six feet under.
A mate of ours summed it up a few years ago "Life is no dress rehearsal"....basically meaning do it once do it right I guess.
I prefer to bring my "A" game with me when I get out in somewhat challenging water conditions here's a few rules that have keep me out of trouble.
- Watch two weather forecasts 24 hours before a paddle....then within an hour or so of a paddle
- Choose a boat relative to those conditions and your skill level
- Always wear a PFD...it's pure hog wash when people say they get too hot or they get in the way of your paddle stroke...buy a new generation PFD like a Think or Mocke...in the waves you a good balance of water to cool...and then warmth from staying upright.
- surf ski, always wear a leg leash
- two bright colours for visibility..it's a Harbour Bylaw in Auckland
- carry a cellphone in a waterproof pouch
- paddle with a buddy
- wear appropriate clothing especially....if you are heading out later in the day.
- if by yourself let someone know your intended course...(especially if your heading across the harbour or heading offshore)
- practice remounting your surf ski, waka or SUP regularly especially in rough conditions
- remember the shoreline is your friend stick by it when it's rough the swim is shorter if you get too tired to remount or roll you craft
- no matter how great you think you are..... when you start to tire or loose energy....you get cold, fall out or fail on multiple remounts in rough conditions you're going to find yourself in trouble.
- a flare, an inflatable fluoro divers float or paddle float, emergency locator beacon or EPIRB are extra's that can save your bacon
- insulate your plans by having a contingency or exit plan if the weather turns sour.
- if the weather turns to custard big time, even think of exiting the water before your destination, walking back to your start point and picking you craft up later
Though we have an excellent Water Police Launch, Coastguard and Search and Rescue in New Zealand if you have to call these guys out you've failed in many respects.
Please exercise some of the Risk Management Practices above and we'll all continue to see you all head back home to your Families at night....and then back out on the water next time.
Click on the arrow to view this honest account from one of the Worlds Best Ocean Racing Paddlers, South African and Capetown local Dawid Mocke.
You're no good to anyone 6 feet under......and my old man will get you... and your money in the end because he's a bloody Funeral Director !
Be careful out there.
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