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The
week did not start well!
The
weather forecast leading up to Sunday, 19 April was not looking good.
The predicted conditions were near calm. I now regard calm as a
four-letter word. I was wishing for 15-20 knot winds and come 6.00am
Sunday morning I was still hopeful … perhaps a miracle.
The day was a dreaded 4 knot breeze, glassy seas and clear blue skies-
so much for my miracle!
I arrived at the
west Cape Peron Car Park at 7.50am, certainly time enough to beat
others there.
It looked like the Sea Kayak Club had booked the entire car park, only
one solitary bay remaining and it was mine. On the other side of things
what a fabulous turnout - 17 paddlers. It was very pleasing to see such
a widespread of experience present.
The
prelaunch brief was a little longer than usual and did include on-water
signals. In particular whistle blasts, 1-for
‘stop’, 2- for ‘Go’ and
5-blasts for a genuine emergency. The latter would regretfully play a
part later during the morning.
When
we did hit the water it was in anything but rough conditions, however,
there was a very nice half metre swell running and everyone was in fine
stroking form.
The
paddle armada was divided into three groups of 5 paddlers with Rado,
the roving photographer, and myself commuting between groups. Group
leaders swapped positions at the end of every leg to give all the
opportunity of leadership and on-water communication. Effective
communication was a challenge even in these near ideal conditions.
The
first destination was a 2.5km leg to Collie Head at Garden Island. The
armada paddled in a 3-group arrowhead formation. A total of 17 sea
kayaks made an impressive sight, all 3 sub-groups held their formation
well. From Collie Head next stop was South West Point, paddling in near
breaking and surging waves as close to the cliff line as individuals
felt was safe for them.
At
South West Point the paddle groups turned north toward the beach area
near South Hill, paddling just outside of glassy green breaking
rollers.
Close
to South Hill we decided to land. Each paddle group would organize its
own surf landing. All was proceeding in a usual manner leaving just
Rado and myself to land. We both approached the beach and about to
proceed further when we heard one whistle blast (stop), a second blast
(go) immediately followed by 3,4 &5 blasts. Something was wrong!
We
immediately landed to be told Mark had dislocated his shoulder whilst
landing. Grabbing First Aid kits, VHF Radio and mobile phone, we ran
along the beach to find Mark already being attended to. He was in good
spirits with some discomfort and I suspect perhaps annoyed with himself.
At
times no matter what care you take, some things just happen. When they
do it’s usually where prior training and practice comes into
play. That was to very case in this situation.
Marks’ condition was assessed, he was assisted to a comfortable
position with his arm supported.
It
was now onto the radio to call up assistance from Rockingham Sea
Rescue, who arranged for a Ranger from Garden Island to evacuate Mark
by 4WD to the mainland. President Judy accompanied Mark to a waiting
ambulance.
Back on the beach Group members were preparing Mark and
Judy’s boats for towing to our launch site, approximately a
9km paddle. Fortunately a lone fisherman nearby was monitoring his
radio, recognized our predicament and assisted taking Mark’s
heavy boat on board. Our thanks go that fisherman. Brighty towed
Judy’s boat, well done Bob.
The
paddle was aborted and all paddlers returned safely to the launch site.
Some of us found our way to Café Jane's home for a
‘feet-up’ late-ish lunch. Thank you Jane.
As Co-ordinator
for the day I would like to thank all paddlers for the roles they
played.
There is no doubt that the Club’s training days are of huge benefit.
The friendly fisherman with Mark's kayak.-
photo John Radovich
- Always have a
rock solid method to pin point your location.
- Always carry
spare batteries for your VHF Radio, GPS and other equipment.
- Practice
‘on-water’ communication in differing conditions. It’s harder than you
think!
- Gradually
increase your exposure to windier, rougher conditions.
- One day you
will be caught out!
- If Mark’s in
pain, he smiles. If it really hurts he’d probably laugh his head off!
- Carry a
chinograph pencil in your PFD to write notes on the deck of your boat.
- Wash them off
later.
- Expect the
unexpected.
- Be confident
and practice using your VHF radio.
- Remember- when
using your VHF, everyone is listening in. In our situation it was a
friendly fisherman.
- No matter
where you paddle always carry a First Aid Kit and spare warm dry
clothes.
- An
anonymous paddler launched, paddled up the face of a small shore break
swell, didn’t make it to the top, slid backwards and ended up
on the beach where he started …what a wasted effort!!
- Attend every
training session- it will make you a better paddler and help you to
save someone else.
- LISTEN: it’s
an acquired skill.
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The pre-launch
brief - photo John
Radovich
The day's
first raft up at Collie Head -
photo John Radovich
Graham Lee in
surging waves at Collie Head. - photo John Radovich
Mark resting
and waiting for evacuation. -
photo John Radovich
Comms Team
atop the highest sand hill (Rod, Steve & Jane). - photo John Radovich
Mark being
attended by Martin and Jo. -
photo John Radovich
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