NYCkayaker Difficult rescues modified for SOTs

[bobvolin at optonline.net]

Jack Gilman mentioned the scoop rescue for folks who have a difficult time re-entring closed kayaks.  A version of the scoop should work easily with SOTs.

The rescuer stabilizes the empty SOT on its side, top facing out. The "swimmer" then floats alonside the SOT, faces it and hugs it, laying flat on it, as the rescuer rotates the boat upright.  Laying flat keeps the center of gravity close to the boat, making it easy to rotate.  Once upright, the swimmer can resume normal position while the rescuer stabilizes the boat as needed.

One extra word on technique.  As the rescuer tries to rotate the SOT upright, he/she may encounter resistance if the two hulls "catch" on one another. To avoid this, push the near side of the SOT down and away as you pull the far side up and toward you. You don't need to grip the far side of the rescued boat -- you might do just as well pulling on the "swimmer's" PFD.

Bob Volin