For the love of Kayaking

Blaze · 01-03-2011, 03:57 AM

How You Loose Body Heat
The water environment of the paddler greatly increases the potential the potential for heat losses through evaporation and convection. Layering your clothes combines the best properties of each garment to reduce heat loss. A sweater reduces convectional losses by creating dead air spaces in the fabric. A paddling jacket reduces air flow and reflects radiated heat losses from the body back toward the body. The summer paddler also needs to protect himself by wearing a hat to reflect the sun's radiation. Also, a cotton shirt and shorts help cool the body by evaporation.
Conduction (e.g. hand on aluminum shaft of paddle)
Convection (e.g. wind)
Radiation (e.g. unprotected head)
Evaporation (e.g. wet lifejacket and wet clothing)
Common River Hazards

Foot entrapment - Catching a foot in rocks on the bottom of the river. May be caused by trying to stand up while getting swept downstream in water mid-thigh to mid-torso deep.
Strainers - Trees or single branches in the current, with river water flowing through, can cause a severe pinning hazard. Strainers many be caused by erosion. Trees can also fall because of old age, floods, and storms. Look for them on wooded riverbanks, along small creeks after high water, often found on the outside of bend, and on less utilized rivers. Always look downstream to spot bobbing twigs or irregular flow patterns.
Man Made Entrapments - Manmade objects in the river are inherently more dangerous than most things natural. Keep an eye out for bridge pilings, low head dams, junked cars, any man made object found commonly in urban riverways, highway crossings, and abandonned dam sites. Make it a habit to visually scan downstream.
Broaches - Getting pinned on a rock, either amidship or at the ends. Avoid sharp rocks that can potentially crease a boat or serve as point to be wrapped by your kayak! Develop the instinct to lean into the rock with your boat and body leaning together.
Undercut Rocks - Undercuts are water features where a slab of rock, or rock shape, forces the current flow to go under the surface. Learn to spot them by the dark shadow on the upstream side of the rock, the lack of pillowing action by oncoming water, and by the lack of a predictable eddy on the downstream side. Most dangerous undercuts are well known by locals, and listed in guidebooks.
Entanglement - Getting tangled exiting your boat is most likely to be caused by ropes, and loose lines, in your boat. Practice wet exits and critically evaluate your outfitting for entanglement potential. Treat throw ropes as potential hazards. Keep them neatly bagged, and carry a knife for rescue.
Vertical Pins - When the bow buries and gets pinned on the bottom after a steep drop. This is not a concern until you are paddling drops of over 3 or 4 feet. Advanced paddlers prevent them by checking the water depth first, and leaning back and performing a 'boof' move to keep the bow up. Paddling boats with a large volume bow reduces this risk substantially.
Hydraulics - have evenly formed backwash, water moving back upstream for four or more feet. Holes with more of a wave shape are intimidating, but typically less hazardous than water flowing smoothly upstream. Dams, and hydraulics that are very regular, and perpendicular to the current are far more dangerous than hydraulics angled with one end downstream.
Long Swims - Wearing a tight PFD, matching your ability to an appropriate river, and being dressed for a swim can be excellent defense against a long swim. Another great precaution is a competent group of friends with either a shore or boat based rescue plan.
Recognizing and Avoiding Hazardous River Conditions

Conditions on rivers can change rapidly in Texas. Before setting out, a paddler should know the flow condition of the reach they are about to paddle. During high flows, the whole river reach may act like one long set of rapids. During high flows, the fast current may draw the unsuspecting paddler into other hazards. These include entrapment in floating debris such as logs, sweepers and strainers.
A sweeper is an overhanging branch or tree whose branches extend into moving water from above. Running into a sweeper will push a canoe over or could push and hold the paddler below the surface of the water. A strainer is a submerged tree or branches under the surface of moving water. A paddler could become pinned against a strainer.
Submerged hazards, such as rocks, logs and other debris, are not easily seen in turbulent water. A collision can cause the boat to upset; the hull may be punctured, or the paddler may be injured in the collision.
Once out of the canoe, the canoeist may be overcome by the current or pinned by the canoe. A swamped canoe can weigh as much as two tons and a paddler can be crushed between a canoe and a rock.
Cold water (less that 15° C) can be lethal. During spring conditions or in late fall, the river water is cold, and if you spill you can very quickly be overcome with hypothermia. Even if the paddler reaches shore, wind chill and cold air temperatures can accelerate the dangerous drop in body temperature. Shivering is an indication of the onset of hypothermia, and victims usually become too disoriented to be responsible for their own safety.
A riverbank is often well removed from emergency services and homes where help can be obtained. The tough reality is that you may be on your own to deal with a life-threatening situation. The tough reality too is that a paddler in danger may also be putting a rescuer's life in jeopardy.
Whenever you are on the river, it is important that you are prepared to deal with an emergency. Know where access points are along the reach of river that you are canoeing. Have a map of the reach that you are canoeing. Have a first aid kit and know basic first aid. Finally, a cellular phone in a waterproof bag may be invaluable in contacting help or emergency services.
Low head dams pose a special hazard to paddlers. In the fast waters, an upstream paddler may get too close to the crest of the dam and be swept over. A paddler may also get caught in the backwash current at the downstream side of the dam. Once in the backwash current, the paddler becomes trapped. Paddlers should use portages around these structures, and stay well clear of low head dams at any time of the year.
Boating safety awareness is not limited to the cold-water seasons. There are good solid rules that must be observed by prudent and safety conscious paddlers everywhere. Boating courses are an enjoyable way to prepare for any kind of boating.
Like the Boy Scouts advocate-be prepared. Being prepared before your trip can help avoid potential hazards or result in a positive outcome if an accident does occur. One of the most important considerations is a trip or float plan. Let someone know where you are canoeing, what your boat looks like and when you expect to return.

Blaze · 01-03-2011, 03:58 AM

Spotting a Potential Accident

River accidents don't just happen. They usually result from the interaction of a series of smaller events or misjudgements which culminate into a major accident. Experts analyze accidents in terms of their human, equipment and environmental factors. Usually, any one factor will not lead to an accident. However, the presence of three or even four factors in a paddling situation is a sign of serious trouble. In a sense, three strikes and a paddler may be out. The major factors that can lead to river accidents are:

Planning a River Trip

Specific planning must be taken seriously by paddlers in preparation for a float trip. The suggested guidelines that follow should give the paddler an insight into what is to be considered before attempting a cruise on a river.
Leaders preparedness and responsibility
1. Know the river or stream to be paddled. River guide booklets and topography maps are valuable references in trip planning. Have knowledge of the difficult parts of the trip and the location of any low head dams. Be aware of any possible changes in the river's level. One may want to plan alternatives in case the river/stream is too high or too low.
2. Setup locations for put-in and take-out along with a possible lunch break stop. Consider time and distance. Arrange for shuttle.
3. Participants. Limit the size of the group to a number that can be comfortably controlled. Designated group leaders should be experienced paddlers. Decisions on the participation of inexperienced boaters should be based on total group strength. Remember the welfare of the group is a major responsibility, and a balance of experienced paddlers with the less experienced will make for a more enjoyable trip.
4. Equipment. Plan so that all necessary group equipment is present on the trip.
5. Float Plan. If the trip is into a wilderness area, or for an extended period, plans should be filed with appropriate authorities or left with someone who will contact them after a certain time. The establishment of a late return phone number can save time and worry for everyone involved.
Participants Preparedness and Responsibility
1. Be a competent swimmer with the ability to handle ones self underwater and in moving water.
2. Be certain that you have a properly fitted Personal Flotation Device (PFD), and wear it .
3. Be suitably equipped.
4. Keep your craft under control. Control must be good enough to, at any time, stop or reach the shore before reaching any danger. Know one's boating ability. Do not enter a rapid unless one is reasonably sure that it can be navigated safely or that one can swim the entire length of the rapid in the event of a capsizing.
5. Be sure to keep an appropriate distance between canoes (distance will vary depending on water conditions; a good rule of thumb is to always keep the canoe behind in view). Never get ahead of the assigned lead canoe or behind the assigned sweep canoe. Both lead and sweep positions should be held by experienced paddlers with knowledge of the water being traveled.
6. Keep a lookout for river hazards and avoid them.
7. Respect the rights of fisherman and land owners while on your river trip.

Blaze · 01-03-2011, 04:24 AM

Simply Breath taking...

Blaze · 01-03-2011, 02:32 PM

Must-Have Kayak Accessories

By: Maeve Rich There are kayak accessories available for a wide range of purposes, from storage accessories to kayak fishing accessories. When choosing kayak accessories, take into consideration the weather, the area where you'll be kayaking and your wants and needs.
A helmet is one of those kayak accessories that is really more of a requirement, depending on where you'll be kayaking. Any conditions near whitewater necessitate protecting your head. A quick flip of the kayak could cause you to hit your head on a rock or on your kayak and be knocked unconscious: not a good thing when you're in water. Similarly, make sure you have a life vest and I attach a whistle to my vest in case of an accident. This should be worn no matter what type of water you're kayaking in.
A spray skirt will keep water out of your kayak. This is great in the ocean as well as whitewater, or anywhere that water gets a bit turbulent. Should water get into your kayak you'll want to have a bilge pump onboard to empty your boat.
Float bags will keep your kayak from sinking should you become separated from it. Float bags are stuffed into open storage spaces of your kayak and keep it from filling with water. Dry bags will keep your gear dry, and should be attached to the inside of your boat.
You may want to purchase a wetsuit if the water you'll be kayaking in is cold. A wetsuit keeps your body warm by allowing a small amount of water in, which your body heats. Dress as though you will going underwater; that way if you do, you'll be prepared.
You should also have equipment on hand in case of an emergency. This may include a compass, GPS, rope bag, knife, radio to call for help and first aid kit.
With all of the kayak accessories out there, weigh your options carefully before purchasing. This is especially true if you're new to the sport and aren't sure what you'll need.

01-03-2011, 03:57 AM	#1
Blaze Senior Member How Do You Identify?: With my drivers Lic. Preferred Pronoun?: Gentleman.. Depends on the Situation. Relationship Status: Last Rodeo, what a ride, many sunrises & sunsets to be had... Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: where a realtor had me sign the dotted line Posts: 1,901 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 6,466 Thanked 5,457 Times in 1,450 Posts Rep Power: 21474853	River yaking Part 2 How You Loose Body Heat The water environment of the paddler greatly increases the potential the potential for heat losses through evaporation and convection. Layering your clothes combines the best properties of each garment to reduce heat loss. A sweater reduces convectional losses by creating dead air spaces in the fabric. A paddling jacket reduces air flow and reflects radiated heat losses from the body back toward the body. The summer paddler also needs to protect himself by wearing a hat to reflect the sun's radiation. Also, a cotton shirt and shorts help cool the body by evaporation. Conduction (e.g. hand on aluminum shaft of paddle) Convection (e.g. wind) Radiation (e.g. unprotected head) Evaporation (e.g. wet lifejacket and wet clothing) Common River Hazards Foot entrapment - Catching a foot in rocks on the bottom of the river. May be caused by trying to stand up while getting swept downstream in water mid-thigh to mid-torso deep. Strainers - Trees or single branches in the current, with river water flowing through, can cause a severe pinning hazard. Strainers many be caused by erosion. Trees can also fall because of old age, floods, and storms. Look for them on wooded riverbanks, along small creeks after high water, often found on the outside of bend, and on less utilized rivers. Always look downstream to spot bobbing twigs or irregular flow patterns. Man Made Entrapments - Manmade objects in the river are inherently more dangerous than most things natural. Keep an eye out for bridge pilings, low head dams, junked cars, any man made object found commonly in urban riverways, highway crossings, and abandonned dam sites. Make it a habit to visually scan downstream. Broaches - Getting pinned on a rock, either amidship or at the ends. Avoid sharp rocks that can potentially crease a boat or serve as point to be wrapped by your kayak! Develop the instinct to lean into the rock with your boat and body leaning together. Undercut Rocks - Undercuts are water features where a slab of rock, or rock shape, forces the current flow to go under the surface. Learn to spot them by the dark shadow on the upstream side of the rock, the lack of pillowing action by oncoming water, and by the lack of a predictable eddy on the downstream side. Most dangerous undercuts are well known by locals, and listed in guidebooks. Entanglement - Getting tangled exiting your boat is most likely to be caused by ropes, and loose lines, in your boat. Practice wet exits and critically evaluate your outfitting for entanglement potential. Treat throw ropes as potential hazards. Keep them neatly bagged, and carry a knife for rescue. Vertical Pins - When the bow buries and gets pinned on the bottom after a steep drop. This is not a concern until you are paddling drops of over 3 or 4 feet. Advanced paddlers prevent them by checking the water depth first, and leaning back and performing a 'boof' move to keep the bow up. Paddling boats with a large volume bow reduces this risk substantially. Hydraulics - have evenly formed backwash, water moving back upstream for four or more feet. Holes with more of a wave shape are intimidating, but typically less hazardous than water flowing smoothly upstream. Dams, and hydraulics that are very regular, and perpendicular to the current are far more dangerous than hydraulics angled with one end downstream. Long Swims - Wearing a tight PFD, matching your ability to an appropriate river, and being dressed for a swim can be excellent defense against a long swim. Another great precaution is a competent group of friends with either a shore or boat based rescue plan. Recognizing and Avoiding Hazardous River Conditions Conditions on rivers can change rapidly in Texas. Before setting out, a paddler should know the flow condition of the reach they are about to paddle. During high flows, the whole river reach may act like one long set of rapids. During high flows, the fast current may draw the unsuspecting paddler into other hazards. These include entrapment in floating debris such as logs, sweepers and strainers. A sweeper is an overhanging branch or tree whose branches extend into moving water from above. Running into a sweeper will push a canoe over or could push and hold the paddler below the surface of the water. A strainer is a submerged tree or branches under the surface of moving water. A paddler could become pinned against a strainer. Submerged hazards, such as rocks, logs and other debris, are not easily seen in turbulent water. A collision can cause the boat to upset; the hull may be punctured, or the paddler may be injured in the collision. Once out of the canoe, the canoeist may be overcome by the current or pinned by the canoe. A swamped canoe can weigh as much as two tons and a paddler can be crushed between a canoe and a rock. Cold water (less that 15° C) can be lethal. During spring conditions or in late fall, the river water is cold, and if you spill you can very quickly be overcome with hypothermia. Even if the paddler reaches shore, wind chill and cold air temperatures can accelerate the dangerous drop in body temperature. Shivering is an indication of the onset of hypothermia, and victims usually become too disoriented to be responsible for their own safety. A riverbank is often well removed from emergency services and homes where help can be obtained. The tough reality is that you may be on your own to deal with a life-threatening situation. The tough reality too is that a paddler in danger may also be putting a rescuer's life in jeopardy. Whenever you are on the river, it is important that you are prepared to deal with an emergency. Know where access points are along the reach of river that you are canoeing. Have a map of the reach that you are canoeing. Have a first aid kit and know basic first aid. Finally, a cellular phone in a waterproof bag may be invaluable in contacting help or emergency services. Low head dams pose a special hazard to paddlers. In the fast waters, an upstream paddler may get too close to the crest of the dam and be swept over. A paddler may also get caught in the backwash current at the downstream side of the dam. Once in the backwash current, the paddler becomes trapped. Paddlers should use portages around these structures, and stay well clear of low head dams at any time of the year. Boating safety awareness is not limited to the cold-water seasons. There are good solid rules that must be observed by prudent and safety conscious paddlers everywhere. Boating courses are an enjoyable way to prepare for any kind of boating. Like the Boy Scouts advocate-be prepared. Being prepared before your trip can help avoid potential hazards or result in a positive outcome if an accident does occur. One of the most important considerations is a trip or float plan. Let someone know where you are canoeing, what your boat looks like and when you expect to return.

01-03-2011, 03:58 AM	#2
Blaze Senior Member How Do You Identify?: With my drivers Lic. Preferred Pronoun?: Gentleman.. Depends on the Situation. Relationship Status: Last Rodeo, what a ride, many sunrises & sunsets to be had... Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: where a realtor had me sign the dotted line Posts: 1,901 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 6,466 Thanked 5,457 Times in 1,450 Posts Rep Power: 21474853	River yaking Part 3 Spotting a Potential Accident River accidents don't just happen. They usually result from the interaction of a series of smaller events or misjudgements which culminate into a major accident. Experts analyze accidents in terms of their human, equipment and environmental factors. Usually, any one factor will not lead to an accident. However, the presence of three or even four factors in a paddling situation is a sign of serious trouble. In a sense, three strikes and a paddler may be out. The major factors that can lead to river accidents are: Planning a River Trip Specific planning must be taken seriously by paddlers in preparation for a float trip. The suggested guidelines that follow should give the paddler an insight into what is to be considered before attempting a cruise on a river. Leaders preparedness and responsibility 1. Know the river or stream to be paddled. River guide booklets and topography maps are valuable references in trip planning. Have knowledge of the difficult parts of the trip and the location of any low head dams. Be aware of any possible changes in the river's level. One may want to plan alternatives in case the river/stream is too high or too low. 2. Setup locations for put-in and take-out along with a possible lunch break stop. Consider time and distance. Arrange for shuttle. 3. Participants. Limit the size of the group to a number that can be comfortably controlled. Designated group leaders should be experienced paddlers. Decisions on the participation of inexperienced boaters should be based on total group strength. Remember the welfare of the group is a major responsibility, and a balance of experienced paddlers with the less experienced will make for a more enjoyable trip. 4. Equipment. Plan so that all necessary group equipment is present on the trip. 5. Float Plan. If the trip is into a wilderness area, or for an extended period, plans should be filed with appropriate authorities or left with someone who will contact them after a certain time. The establishment of a late return phone number can save time and worry for everyone involved. Participants Preparedness and Responsibility 1. Be a competent swimmer with the ability to handle ones self underwater and in moving water. 2. Be certain that you have a properly fitted Personal Flotation Device (PFD), and wear it . 3. Be suitably equipped. 4. Keep your craft under control. Control must be good enough to, at any time, stop or reach the shore before reaching any danger. Know one's boating ability. Do not enter a rapid unless one is reasonably sure that it can be navigated safely or that one can swim the entire length of the rapid in the event of a capsizing. 5. Be sure to keep an appropriate distance between canoes (distance will vary depending on water conditions; a good rule of thumb is to always keep the canoe behind in view). Never get ahead of the assigned lead canoe or behind the assigned sweep canoe. Both lead and sweep positions should be held by experienced paddlers with knowledge of the water being traveled. 6. Keep a lookout for river hazards and avoid them. 7. Respect the rights of fisherman and land owners while on your river trip.

01-03-2011, 04:24 AM	#3
Blaze Senior Member How Do You Identify?: With my drivers Lic. Preferred Pronoun?: Gentleman.. Depends on the Situation. Relationship Status: Last Rodeo, what a ride, many sunrises & sunsets to be had... Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: where a realtor had me sign the dotted line Posts: 1,901 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 6,466 Thanked 5,457 Times in 1,450 Posts Rep Power: 21474853	Commercial Break Simply Breath taking...

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Switch to Linear Mode Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

01-03-2011, 02:32 PM	#4
Blaze Senior Member How Do You Identify?: With my drivers Lic. Preferred Pronoun?: Gentleman.. Depends on the Situation. Relationship Status: Last Rodeo, what a ride, many sunrises & sunsets to be had... Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: where a realtor had me sign the dotted line Posts: 1,901 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 6,466 Thanked 5,457 Times in 1,450 Posts Rep Power: 21474853	Must-Have Kayak Accessories By: Maeve Rich There are kayak accessories available for a wide range of purposes, from storage accessories to kayak fishing accessories. When choosing kayak accessories, take into consideration the weather, the area where you'll be kayaking and your wants and needs. A helmet is one of those kayak accessories that is really more of a requirement, depending on where you'll be kayaking. Any conditions near whitewater necessitate protecting your head. A quick flip of the kayak could cause you to hit your head on a rock or on your kayak and be knocked unconscious: not a good thing when you're in water. Similarly, make sure you have a life vest and I attach a whistle to my vest in case of an accident. This should be worn no matter what type of water you're kayaking in. A spray skirt will keep water out of your kayak. This is great in the ocean as well as whitewater, or anywhere that water gets a bit turbulent. Should water get into your kayak you'll want to have a bilge pump onboard to empty your boat. Float bags will keep your kayak from sinking should you become separated from it. Float bags are stuffed into open storage spaces of your kayak and keep it from filling with water. Dry bags will keep your gear dry, and should be attached to the inside of your boat. You may want to purchase a wetsuit if the water you'll be kayaking in is cold. A wetsuit keeps your body warm by allowing a small amount of water in, which your body heats. Dress as though you will going underwater; that way if you do, you'll be prepared. You should also have equipment on hand in case of an emergency. This may include a compass, GPS, rope bag, knife, radio to call for help and first aid kit. With all of the kayak accessories out there, weigh your options carefully before purchasing. This is especially true if you're new to the sport and aren't sure what you'll need.