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Hoosier Canoe & Kayak Club

SK: Clinic and Practice Session - Open Water Rescue

  • June 01, 2019
  • 9:30 AM - 1:30 PM
  • TBA

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Sea Kayak Clinic and Practice Session - Open Water Rescue
Saturday, June 1, 2019   9:30 am to 3:00 pm

Event Coordinator:  Martha Gitt

We are holding a one-day clinic and practice session on Open Water Rescue for sea kayakers on June 1, 2019.  This clinic is a chance for new paddlers to learn open water rescue techniques and for more experienced paddlers to compare techniques and practice them in a safe, controlled environment.  This clinic is important since kayakers need to regularly practice these skills, so they are “fresh and ready” when we get into a real rescue situation – you want to know how to get yourself or someone else back in their boat quickly and on your first attempt.  Open water paddlers should take this course before attempting any "big water" adventures with or without a group.

We will start off each teaching segment by systematically walking through the steps to complete a rescue so that newer paddlers can learn the tricks associated with performing each rescue.  After everyone has had the opportunity to perform the rescue as taught, we will compare notes and discuss/demonstrate alternative approaches.  There is no one good way for everyone to get back in their boats and group learning is very important and part of the fun.

Course Content:  At the course, we will cover the following topics:

  • Wet Exit
  • Rescue Prevention (Boat Control, Balance, and Bracing)
  • Assisted Re-entries (Eskimo Bow Rescue, T-Rescue, Stirrup Rescue, Scoop Rescue, etc.)
  • Solo Re-entries (Paddle Float, Cowboy Scramble, Re-enter and Roll)
  • Towing (Contact Tows, Short Tows, and Regular Tows) We will discuss when to start towing and when towing may be needed to assist a rescue. We will bring extra tow ropes if you don’t have one.
  • Bonus Fun - time permitting, we will perform balance exercises, dock entry and exit, and other exercises.

Course Details

Location:  Eagle Creek Park – Dandy Trail Ramp (4184 Dandy Trail, Indianapolis, IN).

Schedule:    9:30 AM to 3:00 PM, with a lunch break. 

Please be dressed to paddle and have all boats and gear unloaded and be ready to start at 9:30. We recommend a 9:00 arrival to give you a chance to get it all together for a fun day on the water.

Required Equipment: (Contact the Event Coordinator or Jim Sprandel if you want an exception to these requirements since we may have extra equipment that you can borrow):  

  • Touring Kayak or Sea Kayak (14 foot or longer) with perimeter deck lines running to the bow and stern of your boat.   Must have sealed fore and aft bulkheads or fore/aft air float bags. 
  • Spray Skirt
  • Life jacket
  • Paddle – it is best to bring the paddle that you normally use
  • Miscellaneous – proper clothing (no cotton, quick dry is best) for spending time in the lake, drinking water, sun screen, lunch or snack, dry clothes

Recommended Equipment: Please bring if you have it – no need to buy it if you don’t

  • Safety Gear – paddle float, tow rope, rescue stirrup
  • Wet Suit or Dry Suit – depending on the weather, you may want at least a wet suit to be comfortable.  Dress for the water temperature and figure in any wind chilling effects.  A wet suit also helps keep your legs from getting scraped when doing re-entries
  • Nose Clips – helps keep the water out when you go under

Contact Information:   Please register by May 94, 2019.  Contact the event coordinator Martha Gitt (marthagitt@yahoo.com) or Jim Sprandel (merlin-3d@sbcglobal.net)  if you have any questions about the course.

How to Register:   Click “Register” in the left-hand column of this page or send an e-mail to Martha Gitt (marthagitt@yahoo.com).


Hoosier Canoe & Kayak Club

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