14/03/2026
Perfect conditions this morning for our annual kayak capsize drill. Eight (8) took part and a few more watched from the shore.
Lots of new ideas were tested as a result of last year’s drill.
Some learnings that I noted are below - please add any that I miss:
1. Need to remember to make the life jacket waist strap tight once you are in the water… to stop it rising & choking you!
2. Paul Jones loaned a paddle leash to several participants… I heard that this will be added to several yakkers equipment list now.
3. The rope trick to re-flip the kayak worked a treat although one nylon clip attaching the rope to the kayak broke under the strain so that will need to be strengthened.
4. Getting back into the kayak was more difficult than most remembered!
5. Getting back into the kayak from behind the seat worked for some , even as far back as the stern… but most of us would have a crate there that would interfere with this access if we were fishing.
6. The raised H-rail around the cockpit on some kayaks made getting back into the front of the kayak particularly difficult
7. Some kayaks took on a large amount of water into the closed hull which could make the kayaks more “tippy” in rough seas. These kayaks need to try & reduce the ingress while upside down, somehow.
Thanks to all for participating, Jamie for manning the first aid desk & to Garry for the very welcome BBQ’ed snags!
