Thursday, June 1, 2006

2006.24.39 - Elk Lake

Today we went for a rare evening paddle at Elk Lake. Tonight was training, trying out stuff like edging, bracing and rescues while being close to shore. It was a cloudy day with rain threatening.
It was also a chance for me to try out my new paddling jacket from Pacifica Paddlesports (check out their fancy new website).
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We thought we would have the lake to ourselves, but there were a couple of other paddle groups out, also using the lake to learn and practice rescue techniques.
After a little paddling around, Louise and Paula headed off for a short jaunt, while Bernie and I continued to learn how not to drown.
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Here's Bernie practicing edging. He's using a sculling brace to balance himself.
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Here I am leaning over and grabbing the bow of Bernie's boat. This is part of the process of learning how to roll your kayak.
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Here's Bernie trying it.
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I won the prize for being the first one in the water! Bernie and I performed an assisted rescue.
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Bernie goes for his roll attempt. He steels himself, he takes a breath...
Bernie Wet Exit 1
...and over he goes! I thought about moving in to help, but taking pictures is so much more fun!
Bernie Wet Exit 2
He's out, he's up, he's mostly alive!
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Paula moves in for an assisted rescue. Here they are lifting Bernie's boat onto Paula's so they can turn it and drain it.
Bernie Wet Exit 4
Now with their boats stern-to-bow, Bernie is scrambling onto his stern. He will have to swing his legs into his cockpit, scrooch down into his cockpit and spin around.
Bernie Wet Exit 5
He's just about done it. It's Bernie 1, Floating Bloated Corpses 0.
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With the light fading, I try another wet exit, this time doing a solo entry. Here, I'm getting my paddle and paddlefloat ready.
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A fun way to spend an evening. We need more practice time at Elk Lake.

My pictures are here.

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