Capsize Drills

[blobby]

I recently had an opportunity to practice capsize drills and was surprised at how difficult it can be.

Firstly a pocket full of bits on my buoyancy aid was catching and preventing me from getting across the kayak. I emptied the pocket and then still had some difficulty getting across the yak, with the yak rolling upside down each time my weight was on one side.

After about the fifth attempt I managed it and found the technique.

 

I was only up to my neck in water and therefore was able to rest and think after each attempt, but if I had been out of my depth it would have been in a very uncomfortable experience.

 

I am quite new to kayak fishing and have spent the first six months in the confines of Christchurch harbour where you are never more than 100 yards from shallow water.

 

I am now looking to venture out of the harbour and fish off of Hengistbury Head etc.

 

Firstly there have been quite a few new characters joining this forum recently and I urge you all to go and practice capsize drills before you need to do it for real.

 

Secondly does anyone have any tips on re entry into the yak.

I remember seeing a video on this site last year and it looked easy……does it get any easier the more you do it or has anyone got any useful tips.

 

 

Regards

 

Kevin

[blobby]

Sorry guys

 

I see Paul was posting on the very same subject just before me

 

Must show how important this topic is then.

[SpeciMan]

I'd say it gets easier the more you do it - however, I haven't made a reentry for some time now & need to practice again.

 

Theres a knack to reentering the Scupper Pro (I think it was the Scupper on the video you are referring to) - different models may require a slightly different technique to get back on - the only real way of learning is to get out there and practice in a safe environment as you did. Although you were up to your neck if you had been out of depth you could have held onto the kayak whilst recovering for the next reentry attempt.

 

Although my buoyancy aid has lots of pockets I try to keep their contents to a minimum for the same reason you mention, plus I like a clear cockpit too so any rod holders and gear is kept fore and aft.

 

If you plan to fish near Hengistbury Head (the ledge) then worth buoying up and not anchoring there. The current can pull fast & there is often chop from the drop off and over the ledge. From the end of the groyne its best to get at least 1/3 mile out from the worst of it or fish just past the edge of the ledge in deeper water (thats what I do). Generally speaking I think theres at least a 20foot difference in depth between over the ledge and the deeper water to the west of it.

[YakDiver]

Firstly a pocket full of bits on my buoyancy aid was catching

that is the very same reason I don't like buoyance aids with pockets

[paulnb57]

that is the very same reason I don't like buoyance aids with pockets

My PFD has a belt and buckle and the buckle always snags when re entering...pracitce! practice! practice! Master it!

Regards

Paul

[marshman520]

Hi Blobby may be your a bit like me and eat to many pie,s i,m sure the lighter you are the easier rentry is .

[overrun]

I recently had an opportunity to practice capsize drills and was surprised at how difficult it can be.

Firstly a pocket full of bits on my buoyancy aid was catching and preventing me from getting across the kayak. I emptied the pocket and then still had some difficulty getting across the yak, with the yak rolling upside down each time my weight was on one side.

After about the fifth attempt I managed it and found the technique.

 

I was only up to my neck in water and therefore was able to rest and think after each attempt, but if I had been out of my depth it would have been in a very uncomfortable experience.

 

I am quite new to kayak fishing and have spent the first six months in the confines of Christchurch harbour where you are never more than 100 yards from shallow water.

 

I am now looking to venture out of the harbour and fish off of Hengistbury Head etc.

 

Firstly there have been quite a few new characters joining this forum recently and I urge you all to go and practice capsize drills before you need to do it for real.

 

Secondly does anyone have any tips on re entry into the yak.

I remember seeing a video on this site last year and it looked easy……does it get any easier the more you do it or has anyone got any useful tips.

Regards

 

Kevin

 

Biggest problem I found was that I pulled the Yak on top of me, good point about the bits'n'pieces on your PFD getting in the way or snagging the grab lines.