While fishing at South Beach in Chatham watched a group of yakker entering the surf zone when one of them capsized. I knew it would happen because he broached the yak. Over went his yak and he did not perform a roll.
Good thing for him one of the guides saw him. The Guide lifted the boat and emptied the yak. The yakker in the water could not get back in his boat so he had to make it to shore.
One other thing I observed , the guide held his paddle straight up to signal the others and blew his whistle which was not heard by the others in the group.
It was an interesting thing to wittiness and see how difficult it can be to get back in your yak when it goes over. FishHawk
“You’re On Your Own…”
– Last Updated: Sep-21-06 8:51 AM EST –
applies a lot in the surf zone, especially on big days, even if you're out with "partners". Whistle or signals are very limited in utility when over the sounds of breaking waves, and when the peaks and troughs are overhead. Unless you go over and swim right next to a partner, it's very hard for anyone to pick up on who's swimming and possibly in trouble. And, even some one is seen swimming, the options can be very limited, especially when you're right in the break zone where most of the capsizes and swimming happen.
I am big beleiver that any one who steps into the surf zone should do so with the full recognition/acceptance that they are essentially on their own. So, judgement of what one can handle becomes paramount. It's not fair to count on anyone to bail one out. If they can help, that's great but it shouldn't be expected.
Take a group out? Occaisonally, but only on smaller days when the waves are 5' or less. When it's bigger, go out alone or only with those that one has confidence in to hold their own.
sing
Amen, and from my limited …
experience of playing in the surf, it would be next to impossible to help someone in the break zone without putting yourself in danger.
Cheers,
JackL