Had a storming good debate last eve about self rescue.
Seems some of us may be a tad overconfident in our self rescue, and out in really rough waters that may just be so.
Your position?!

I don't know how my self rescue would work, because I've never had to. My Sirocco has never let me down, or got me wet and I've been in the roughest conditions that I will ever allow myself to get in. I might screw up someday, but until then I'll rely on the boat and my hopefully prudent judgement.

I do believe in my self recsue. A freind and I have practiced on some very stormy days just to see if we could do it.. Self rescues are a lot different when the weather is bad then on a nice day and should be practiced in bad weather. It does not matter how good a person or there boat is things happen that we can not control or foresee.

Having practiced mine often I also tend to believe.
The practice has been in hard conditions also.
But I tell you, there have been some rough seas that had me wondering!

I feel that I have a reliable roll, as I surf kayak and have to depend on it almost every time. I am not convinced that any of my self-rescues is "bomb-proof". I know paddlers that spend more time perfecting their rolls than straight paddling, however,there is a difference between needing a roll in an unexpected circumstance versus setting up for one after an "on-purpose" capsize. I try to take as many classes on rough water rescue as I can fit in and practice.

I saw on the news today that some kayakers lost their lives in a Howe Sound paddling accident. I have not found a link yet.
Makes me ask myself the question again.

Here's a link to the discussion about the Howe Sound incident on a local forum:

http://www.westcoastpaddler.com/community/viewtopic.php?t=1443

I'm somewhat of a newcomer to paddling and havn't learned to roll yet, so I know my only 'bullet-proof' option is to avoid capsizing to start with. I have stable necky alsek and I have yet to see a non-breaking wave capable of flipping it so I think if I simply avoid large, breaking waves I won't need to self rescue. This means not paddling under many conditions that I probably would paddle if I did have a dependable roll & drysuit, though. At this point, I put all my efforts into avoidance and pack a waterproof marine band VHF.

Thanks for that link and those thoughts CH.
I hope those families are getting along.

I believe in my self rescue abilities because I have practiced them in rough conditions. However, I always prepare for being in a situation if my self rescue fails.

On a side note - When I started kayaking I thought of rolling as a rescue. After being involved with whitewater and surf kayaking I no longer think of rolling as a rescue. Now I think of rolling as a maneuver, like a low brace turn, bow rudder, forward stroke, etc.

Agreed.
I don't think that rolling is a rescue in itself.

Actually had to do my self rescue for real a month ago in very cold waters, high waves, cross currents, lightening and thunder and a god damned rogue wave!!!!!!!!!!! Was solo.
Just stay calm and do the drills baby!

Kayakman, tell us the tale!

It probably goes without saying that good judgement is the best self-rescue... but thats a cop-out answer.

My self rescue... humm while I'm fairly confident in it, and have practiced many times in a wide range of situations (flat, wind waves, swell, tidal currents, surf) both by myself, and doing assisted rescue practice with friends, plus rescuing indviduals in real situations (generally the 'Opps' I forgot how to stay upright type of rescue) I know that twere I to actually be in a situation that put me in the water I would be scared.

I have not capsisized unintentionally (except while playing in surf) for the last 600 paddling days (knock wood)... however, does not mean it will never happen. When that day comes, and it is a 'when' not an 'if', all one can do is have practiced as much as possible ahead of time in many different situations.

It only takes one variable to mess up that practiced and perfect rescue... you go for a roll but try and do it into the mushy lip of a wave, or hit a rock. You come out of your boat and lose you paddle. You are unable to get your spray skirt back on while you pump and therefore unable to pump as water continuasly reenters the boat.

As for the roll, I'll concure with others that it is more a maneuver rather than a rescue. However, if you are rough waters, you will be using almost all you paddling techniques, and thats okay... but if your using your roll in rough conditions as a maneuver, probably a sign you are in over your head.

Kia ora Koutou

Firstly you should practise all rescues in the conditions you wish to paddle in. Secondly a roll is my primary strategy of self rescue, yes it is as manoeuvre as mentioned above, it is a manoeuvre that allows the paddler to right his/her kayak after it has turn upside down, which is the primary purpose of self rescue. My secondary strategy is re-entry and roll and if this fails the paddle float re-entry.

Although I consider myself to have a bombproof roll on both sides I advocate for the carrying of a paddle float by paddlers of all skill levels. I have a close friend and fellow instructor who also has a very reliable roll. He took an unfortunate swim from his sea kayak in the surf after his deck was blown off my a breaking wave. He ended up spending tense half an hour attempting to re-enter his kayak in autumn conditions as night was falling, alone, several hundred meters off shore and with no hope of rescue. Had he carried a simple paddle float things may have been a lot easier. Fortunately he lived to tell the tail, but still continues to paddle solo.

Ka kite ano from Aotearoa NZ

just believe in yourself, then you can believe in me, too Still do, sort of) and it just didn't gel for me. But I still enjoyed it.