Impromptu Ocean Swim - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

james92026 · 11-23-2011, 05:39 PM

I guess enough can not be said about becoming very familiar with your kayak before venturing out to open ocean!

I was about 1/4 mile out Oceanside Harbor just drifting in medium swells with current going towards land. The Navigator XF was sitting broadside to the swells, no drogue or anything. I reached to retrieve a rod from rod holder in the aft well on the starboard side as I have done many times with no problem. As I turned around towards the bow, all of a sudden I found myself up on the port side rail and into the water I went. I tried in vain to haul myself onboard but owing to the type of clothing I was wearing I could not do it. Also my legs were under the boat going along with the current I guess. The weight of the clothing made it difficult. I had on thermal underwear, some thin polysester jogging pants, and then a heavier snow boarding pants, golfing wind breaker, topped with a heavier water resistance coat that was lined and of course a PFD. The whole thing acted like a sponge!

That is the WHAT. I am not sure as to the HOW or WHY.
Many things I guess I could have done like maybe trying to climb onboard from the other side enabling my legs to float away from the boat and hopefully making an attempt easier. I did not react in time to lean away from the direction the boat was taking, and the paddle was not in a position to brace quickly enough.

I did not panic and was relataively calm (didnt even lose my hat or glasses). Luckily there was a boat in the vicinity who rescued me. I was in the water perhaps 5 minutes. Outside temp was around 50 degrees, not sure how cold the water was at 7:30 a.m.

Gear was secured for the most part with leashes on paddle and two rods. The only two items I lost were the gaff and anchor which were not secured properly.

I was lucky this time. My folly for going it alone and also for not actually practicing a re-entry maneuver. I did read a lot, and although I had a good idea of what to do, I simply was not able to. I was surprized at this boats lack of secondary stability given the width is 31 inches, I guess its a little top heavy as far as center of gravity goes.

(Shoulda got the Tarpon)...

James
Until next time, thanking GOD that I am still able to say that!

pchen911 · 11-23-2011, 06:17 PM

If you tip a Navigator, you will NOT like the tarpon. Tarpons are much more tippy, Navs are as stable as a tank.

Glad you were ok though.

james92026 · 11-23-2011, 06:20 PM

One would think so. I did demo a Tarpon 160 and really liked it and for whatever reason, It seemed to handle better and I felt more secure belive it or not.....go figger.... (of course this was in calm, bay waters, not open ocean two days before an impending storm).

QUOTE=pchen911;101134]If you tip a Navigator, you will NOT like the tarpon. Tarpons are much more tippy, Navs are as stable as a tank.

Glad you were ok though.[/QUOTE]

GregAndrew · 11-23-2011, 07:10 PM

Been there, done that. My first time dunking was 1/2 mile off shore wearing a "waterproof" fishing jacket. It was rainproof, but not waterproof (unless it meant water not getting out). My buddy could not even lift the jacket out of the water, he had to reel it in like a seiners net. A solid snug fit at the neck is a must for paddle jackets to be worth their while in those situations. Gotta practice self rescue before you venture beyond where you can swim to fully clothed. It is usually primary stability that causes the most dunkings for new peeps.

dorado50 · 11-23-2011, 08:13 PM

Kayak laying broadside to swell will become unstable once center of balance(your butt) is altered or shifted. Kayaking 101!! Turning yak into swell or down swell when shifting weight(balance) will help compensate when reaching around...

kobra · 11-23-2011, 08:38 PM

You also need to be aware of your surroundings at all times. If a big swell tries to sneak up on you you can be ready for it, especially if you are reaching for something behind you.

11-23-2011, 05:39 PM	#1
james92026 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Escondido CA Posts: 114	Impromptu Ocean Swim I guess enough can not be said about becoming very familiar with your kayak before venturing out to open ocean! I was about 1/4 mile out Oceanside Harbor just drifting in medium swells with current going towards land. The Navigator XF was sitting broadside to the swells, no drogue or anything. I reached to retrieve a rod from rod holder in the aft well on the starboard side as I have done many times with no problem. As I turned around towards the bow, all of a sudden I found myself up on the port side rail and into the water I went. I tried in vain to haul myself onboard but owing to the type of clothing I was wearing I could not do it. Also my legs were under the boat going along with the current I guess. The weight of the clothing made it difficult. I had on thermal underwear, some thin polysester jogging pants, and then a heavier snow boarding pants, golfing wind breaker, topped with a heavier water resistance coat that was lined and of course a PFD. The whole thing acted like a sponge! That is the WHAT. I am not sure as to the HOW or WHY. Many things I guess I could have done like maybe trying to climb onboard from the other side enabling my legs to float away from the boat and hopefully making an attempt easier. I did not react in time to lean away from the direction the boat was taking, and the paddle was not in a position to brace quickly enough. I did not panic and was relataively calm (didnt even lose my hat or glasses). Luckily there was a boat in the vicinity who rescued me. I was in the water perhaps 5 minutes. Outside temp was around 50 degrees, not sure how cold the water was at 7:30 a.m. Gear was secured for the most part with leashes on paddle and two rods. The only two items I lost were the gaff and anchor which were not secured properly. I was lucky this time. My folly for going it alone and also for not actually practicing a re-entry maneuver. I did read a lot, and although I had a good idea of what to do, I simply was not able to. I was surprized at this boats lack of secondary stability given the width is 31 inches, I guess its a little top heavy as far as center of gravity goes. (Shoulda got the Tarpon)... James Until next time, thanking GOD that I am still able to say that!

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11-23-2011, 06:17 PM	#2
pchen911 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 218	If you tip a Navigator, you will NOT like the tarpon. Tarpons are much more tippy, Navs are as stable as a tank. Glad you were ok though.

11-23-2011, 06:20 PM	#3
james92026 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Escondido CA Posts: 114	One would think so. I did demo a Tarpon 160 and really liked it and for whatever reason, It seemed to handle better and I felt more secure belive it or not.....go figger.... (of course this was in calm, bay waters, not open ocean two days before an impending storm). QUOTE=pchen911;101134]If you tip a Navigator, you will NOT like the tarpon. Tarpons are much more tippy, Navs are as stable as a tank. Glad you were ok though.[/QUOTE]

11-23-2011, 07:10 PM	#4
GregAndrew Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 2,384	Been there, done that. My first time dunking was 1/2 mile off shore wearing a "waterproof" fishing jacket. It was rainproof, but not waterproof (unless it meant water not getting out). My buddy could not even lift the jacket out of the water, he had to reel it in like a seiners net. A solid snug fit at the neck is a must for paddle jackets to be worth their while in those situations. Gotta practice self rescue before you venture beyond where you can swim to fully clothed. It is usually primary stability that causes the most dunkings for new peeps.

11-23-2011, 08:13 PM	#5
dorado50 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: La Jolla Shores Posts: 1,626	Kayak laying broadside to swell will become unstable once center of balance(your butt) is altered or shifted. Kayaking 101!! Turning yak into swell or down swell when shifting weight(balance) will help compensate when reaching around...

11-23-2011, 08:38 PM	#6
kobra Senior Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: oceanside Posts: 880	You also need to be aware of your surroundings at all times. If a big swell tries to sneak up on you you can be ready for it, especially if you are reaching for something behind you.