Check out msnbc, go to local news, then calif, click on san diego, then man swims for 5 hours.
It was only small 3 to 4 feet wind swell.
I'll reserve coment on the craftmenship of the canoe.
Submitted by junkyarddog on Thu, 10/02/2008 - 7:10am
Here's a link to the story:
http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2008/10/02/news/coastal/oceanside/zea381...
#1 Thu, 10/02/2008 - 7:53am
It's a HYPR canoe...
#2 Thu, 10/02/2008 - 7:57am
cmon, brands aside, shouldnt we be glad that hes alive?
#3 Thu, 10/02/2008 - 8:14am
surprise surprise...
"But for Talauega, the outrigger's failure wasn't just a fluke. It was a reminder that even experienced paddlers need to put safety first.
Talauega was paddling without a life preserver and without an emergency kit."
at least now he's got an excuse to buy a rutterless since his Hyper broke in half. especially since he's planning on doing super aito..."plans to compete in a three-day, 72-mile canoe race in Tahiti two years from now"
#4 Thu, 10/02/2008 - 8:15am
seriously, was it a hypr? the article says brand new boat- does hypr even sell canoes still?
i'm not a fan, but the facts should be straight for the upcoming shitstorm of comments sure to come
#5 Thu, 10/02/2008 - 8:17am
Here is another link that has the TV news report.
http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/17599824/detail.html?rss=dgo&psp=news
this string should be entertaining,
#6 Thu, 10/02/2008 - 8:20am
@dacho
in the nctimes article picture, you can clearly see a HYPR canoe decal on the yellow canoe that is split in half. See attached image and compare.
This almost goes back on the safety equipment on an OC-1 thread...
still good to see he's alright.
#7 Thu, 10/02/2008 - 8:33am
...oh, it was a HYPR. Stop reading dacho, and look at the picture. That's the problem with all you smart people - always READING.
#8 Thu, 10/02/2008 - 8:35am
here she is. a picture from the news video.
#9 Thu, 10/02/2008 - 8:37am
well lookee here.. man, didn't even see no damn newfangled news video.. my bad.
ok, hypr then.. now that we have that out of the way, let the shit flinging begin.
#10 Thu, 10/02/2008 - 8:51am
It sucks having a hypr and hearing all the stuff going on about it. It also sucks when you don't have money to move on to another canoe.
#11 Thu, 10/02/2008 - 8:52am
ok, saw the video.. saw the boat, what a piece of shit
#12 Thu, 10/02/2008 - 8:56am
The 5 safety equipment essentials:
#13 Thu, 10/02/2008 - 9:00am
Yes it was a hyper, It is not brand new, I paddled it over 1 year ago, Biggest piece of sh&%, i have ever been on, I was only on it for about 2 miles and was in more pain than paddling my Hurricane for 3 hours, The owner (not Nate) "settlled" the issue with Hyper, I urged her to not keep it and send it back to the manufacturer. I have said this in the past and I will say it again, If you are not happy with your purchase of a 3000+ canoe. Send it back, You should not settle on less than quality work, This boat had issues beyond cosmetic, The owner of this canoe bought a hurricane and would not sell this boat due to it's "issues". She did not feel comfortable passing on a crappy boat, It was used as a loaner at the club,
Did Nate make mistakes? Of course, Safety precautions were way too laxed, But in my opinion taking this specific canoe out 3 miles alone was the bigger mistake.
We as paddlers, Myself included, paddle too far out by ourselves. I typically go as far as I think I can swim. I have on occasion gone too far, and if things got bad - off shore winds, injury, total boat failure, I could be in the same situation as Nate (with or without a Hypr)
A good lesson from this that I think the manufacturers should look at is what can they do to make it easier for paddlers to take safety equipment. I know Huki has options for hatches to store a cell phone. And I think Maui' boat has a place to store a paddle. This can also be an opportunity to design a paddler specific rescue pack.
Waist mounted camel baks are a great place to store fluids(duh it's in the pack) cell phone, flares, GU etc, If you fall off you boat and don't have your leash attached you still have the items you need,
Stearns makes a great waist mounted PFD as well, about 85 bucks at west marine.
Waterproof cell cases start at about 10.00.
New paddlers look at the veterans for advice, if we can get a few of the old school paddlers to start wearing the right equipment in time it will be like wearing seat belts. You will look like an idiot if you DON'T have the gear with you. In San Diego Tony Serafin and Casey Owens, Two of the best, and very well respected started wearing PFD to get ready for a long race that required them, They found it did not effect them and now wear them religiously, I am sure others have started wearing them since then just because they see Tony and Casey with them. Wavechaser (Nor Cal) mandates them for races, My guess is since the rule was put in place more paddlers wear them training as well.
#14 Thu, 10/02/2008 - 9:00am
The safety equipment you bring with you should vary, depending on where/when you are going, and your own abilities.
#15 Thu, 10/02/2008 - 9:04am
The one good thing that came out of this is thinking about what can happen when things go wrong. The ocean always has the last word.
Just a note it was not a good night to be swimming in to the harbor with no moon, 50+lobster fishermen chumming their hoop net's with oily fish, who knows what was swimming around out there.
#16 Thu, 10/02/2008 - 9:47am
@goto
see revised 5 essentials:
#17 Thu, 10/02/2008 - 10:13am
SUE!
#18 Thu, 10/02/2008 - 10:30am
Being a Fuzerider , I
m pretty confident that Im going to make it back to the beach with an intact boat still under my okole.Pretty confident though isn
t certain enough. Thats why I never paddle way offshore alone. I always have at least one other paddler there, in another boat, just in case the unexpected happens.Hull failure is one of the worst things that can happen to you in cold water for obvious reasons. It`s on my mind because you can be a gonner pretty fast in the cold.
A pfd is good to have but it won`t save you from hypothermia .
If you are alone in cold water for an extended swim , the pfd just makes it easier for rescuers to find your corpse.
Boat make /model issues aside , I would say the primary lesson to be learned from Nates experience is not to paddle alone offshore, And 2, carry a cell phone in a waterproof bag .
Even a VHF radio isn`t all that difficult to carry as well, especially in cold water.
Nate , glad you made it back to paddle another day.
Did your life pass before your eyes when you were in the water?
We , the brave and strong who paddle daily on icy waters salute You !!
#19 Thu, 10/02/2008 - 10:43am
This story made me cringe when I read it. I try not to go out alone, more times than not, I do go out solo. I do however always have my safety gear with me. Attached are a couple of photos. I use a waterproof bag, inside I have my cell phone in its own waterproof bag, (submersible) handheld VHF, flare gun, a whistel, some water and a little food. I use duct tape to hold it down and put my PFD over the safety bag and duct tape that down also. Yeah, yeah...a little extra weight, but it gives me a peace of mind out in the middle of the ocean.
~Shawn
#20 Thu, 10/02/2008 - 12:06pm
smeredith, thats impressive, I like it.
Seeing the iphone in there makes me cringe! Yikes. But I guess if you have the 3 year protection plan you're all good.
#21 Thu, 10/02/2008 - 12:14pm
Maybe Hypr is short for Hyperthermic, which is how you feel when you realize what a piece of shit it is.
But when it cracks in half, you get Hypothermic. So maybe they shoulda named themselves Hypo.
Or maybe just Really Crappy Canoe Company. Has a ring to it.
#22 Thu, 10/02/2008 - 12:25pm
maybe they should add a "c". Hyprc for hyprcrack.
#23 Thu, 10/02/2008 - 1:01pm
Now that's what i call fully optioned. Garmin GPS on the front Iako too!! Good idea to put the Forerunner in a waterproof case as well, they last longer that way. I've lost 3 due to saltwater ingress.
Cheers Rambo
#24 Thu, 10/02/2008 - 1:22pm
Cell phones are great to have. I take it most of the time. But earlier this year 3 of us were out paddling and one never made. We had phones so he got to tell me he was drowning before he did.
So a phone can be useless too. Now im looking a Epribs. You can get a small one that is easy to carry. You hit the button on that and hopefully a Helicopter will be on their way in minutes.
you can have all the equipment. But it may not save you.
#25 Thu, 10/02/2008 - 1:45pm
I was even thinking about mounting my Viper Swim Fins...I think that would be a little over kill....until it actually happens.
Hey Rambo...I shot you an e-mail yesterday regarding training. My e-mail address is pacificsouthswell@yahoo.com..if that rings a bell.
~Shawn
#26 Thu, 10/02/2008 - 1:46pm
"A pfd is good to have but it won`t save you from hypothermia ."
A small point, but a PFD will provide insulation and make you ride higher in the water. It will fend off hypothermia for a few minutes longer than the onset if you aren't wearing one.
My beef is the general absence of deck lashing points for folks who do want to be prepared.
~~~~~~~~~~
YankeeHo'okele
"Anyone can steer the ship when the sea is calm" - Syrus Publilius
#27 Thu, 10/02/2008 - 2:00pm
I just want enough room for my Glock9, so that when I see the end coming, I can ward off death with a few well-placed slugs.
#28 Thu, 10/02/2008 - 2:08pm
DNA
So what's the story on that story? Have never heard anything.
#29 Thu, 10/02/2008 - 2:14pm
There is no fool proof answer to the safety question, as a paddler and 29 year Coast Guardsmen we have had our share of folks putting themselfs in trouble. The obvious is the PFD will help save your life, communication is paramount and paddling with a partner or two just plain smart( ok Im not that smart I paddled alone today!) One of our motto's is preparation equal perfprmance. If we plan a offshore trip, let someone know where you are going, when you plan to return.
Personal epirbs are great, but that helo is more than a couple of mins away. prepare to be in the water a little while. Dress for the conditions. and in bright colors then paddle hard and have the confidence everything is solid. Chris I am trusting that Zepher!!
While on my safety rant, Could I ask a favor, Mark your boat with your name and phone contact.
It seems lately we have searched for hours for folks by ship and helo for a kayak floating in open ocean or bay, only to find the the boat had been gone for months or blew off a dock.
We could call and at least know who we were looking for, get some info on where you usually paddle etc.. sorry for my CG rant but. I am a pationate paddler and a career lifesaver. and horible speller;-)
#30 Thu, 10/02/2008 - 3:04pm
I was told by a fellow paddler that I should read this blog…. LOL Okay I’ll chime in and hope I don’t get hit too hard. I’m the paddler who swam in after my canoe folded in half. Before you all call me an idiot let’s take a second and think. How many times do we all go out (by ourselves and long) to get a good work out in? Also win the wind bump picks up it’s hard to not paddle out long to have that fun ride back in.
Now all this media stuff most of it’s true but they did dramatize some of it to make it sound adventurous. Don’t get me wrong I don’t want to make light of this situation. I am very lucky to have lived to paddle another day. I am thankful for my conditioning and strength to be able to endure the swim in. However a pair of fins would have been very nice after the first hour ?
Basically we paddlers love this sport. There’s nothing like getting out there on the water and just losing yourself to the feeling of good bump nice afternoon and a peaceful stress free environment (until your canoe folds in half lol).
What I can tell you is this is a wake up call for me and hopefully a few others. Basically what I have learned from all this is even the most experienced, strongest, seasoned, paddler is still at risk of equipment failure. Should I have had a PFD or emergency bag like (smeredith) posted? Yes and Yes. Thought we all love the water and paddling may be a passion we should always plan for the worst. Carrying a little extra weight doesn’t hurt anyone and besides it’s good resistance training for the real race.
I for one do not want to go through that again so I will be carrying an emergency bag and PFD. Now I just need a canoe to put it on LOL. Seriously I know better and I got a little relaxed or comfortable in my daily routine that I didn’t take the time to make sure I was prepared for something like this.
I enjoyed reading all your comments and they are all valid and very funny. Hey if you can’t laugh a little about it then maybe you should take up another sport? Just chalk this up to a dumb move by me but the good news is I went out again this afternoon but in an OC6 ? just doesn’t feel the same… know what I mean?
Let’s all play smart myself included. See you on the water.
Bigger Waves Peeps.
#31 Thu, 10/02/2008 - 8:41pm
well when you get that new boat, please make sure it isn't a Hypr.
good sense of humor. i know some guys who could learn this from you as well.
#32 Thu, 10/02/2008 - 8:42pm
Have at it on a Zephyr next time .
The brave , strong and capable do .
#33 Fri, 10/03/2008 - 1:00am
Nate, you're not the first and you won't be the last. It's happened to quite a few of us here including me. After 3 hrs of paddle boarding my Amaless Hurricane, i paddled towards a rock cliff and sacrificed my canoe against the rocks as a battering ram, the rebuild story is on the blog here http://rambos-locker.blogspot.com/2007/04/repairing-hurricane.html
As i was in relatively warm water compared to you, my wish was for a cell phone to make contact, and that is the first piece of equipment i now pack. Self rescue is your no1 priority, unless you have contact, you have no idea if anyone is looking for you.
Anyway, i hope you never forget the experience, as sometimes we get slack and old habits come to the fore. I keep reminding myself all the time.
Cheers Rambo
#34 Fri, 10/03/2008 - 1:48am
Swim-faster
You lived to tell the tale. So your instincts about your capabilities were good. And we get to have some serious discussions, rather than the usual chest-beating.
I had a kayak break up in a storm at dusk in the late '70's (matte fiberglass) and had to swim 3 miles (virtually sideways in the current) watching people in their homes by the lights of their flickering TV's.
Whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger.
~~~~~~~~~~
YankeeHo'okele
"Anyone can steer the ship when the sea is calm" - Syrus Publilius
#35 Fri, 10/03/2008 - 5:03am
fuze
Do you ever give it a rest? You're starting to sound like a broken record
#36 Fri, 10/03/2008 - 6:20am
never....
#37 Fri, 10/03/2008 - 6:21am
See, that guy should have had a zephyr and that would have never happened. Just be prepared to pay an undisclosed $400 destination fee.
#38 Fri, 10/03/2008 - 8:02am
OC brand names are meaningless..... any seagoing craft that relies on foam as soft as styrofoam for structural integrity is suspect. That material is oly good for bouancy, has the worst qualities for structural integrity.
#39 Fri, 10/03/2008 - 8:45am
MeanDNA, you referring to the incident in New Zealand? Was that your buddy? It would be interesting to get the whole story about that. There's been a lot of speculation, but a first hand account would be helpful for all.. if you're willing.
#40 Fri, 10/03/2008 - 2:31pm
Yes in NZ. Surf was up so 3 of us went out. We were in training for Molokai, but now we are a paddler short so we are not making the trip over. It was the ride of our lives. We were loving it. I wish we had a gps to record the speeds we were going. Towards the end it did get a bit crazy,
We had all the safety gear, But most was tied to the canoe. If you lose the canoe you have nothing. My friend was wearing his lifejacket and had bright clothing on. and a cell phone around his neck. But he did say he lost his canoe. I'm not sure if the leash broke or he took it off. I never found that part of the canoe.
But since rescuers never new exactly where he was. they never risk there lives to find him. But it was big. I think our canoes were the only crafts that was ok out there.
#41 Fri, 10/03/2008 - 4:23pm
We all brok kanus before on waves we shouldn't have taken !
-------"Talauega told police his canoe was battered by waves, broke apart and began taking on water around 4 p.m. " -------
Don't matter who makes it - common sense hav to take priority. All kinds of boats break under right conditions. Good that he make it !
Man Swims 5 Hours At Sea After Kayak Cracks
Carlsbad Man Said He Thought He Wouldn't Make It
POSTED: 11:24 am PDT October 1, 2008
UPDATED: 8:33 pm PDT October 1, 2008
OCEANSIDE, Calif. -- A lobster fisherman made quite a catch Tuesday night, rescuing a North County man whose kayak broke in half in the ocean.
View Images
Watch Video
Police said Nathan Talauega, 45, was reported missing after going boating alone in a one-man Outrigger canoe. Talauega told police his canoe was battered by waves, broke apart and began taking on water around 4 p.m. He said it left him no choice but to begin swimming for land in 60-degree water.
.
#42 Tue, 10/07/2008 - 12:37pm
In terms of safety tools... what about swimming skills? I'm sure most of us are water people and can swim. But I'm not a super efficient swimmer. I assume that someone with efficient swimming technique (not just fitness) stands a much better chance of survival, and getting to shore faster, assuming that the conditions are moderate and hypothermia isn't an issue. Has anyone gone as far as taking some instruction on ocean swimming technique as a safety precaution? Gotta say, I'm considering it as I get more and more into paddling.
By the way, some handy factoids on hypothermia while we're all feeling sobered and thinking about safety:
Submersion 10 degree C / 50 degree F can lead to death by hypothermia in 1 hour. (Nor cal, that's not much time even if you're close to shore and a great swimmer. Seems like if you aren't paddling with a friend a mobile phone or marine radio is required safety material.) In near freezing temps, that time can shorten to 15 minutes.
Wearing wool or synthetics is much better than cotton.
A covered neck and head are supposed to help a great deal with hypothermia.
As mentioned above, wearing a PFD increases your chances of survival.
Body fat helps. (Holla to the other beefy girls with a Ben and Jerrys problem).
#43 Tue, 10/07/2008 - 6:50pm
I went to a water survival instructors course while in the military. We learned about and how to teach the basic survival strokes to use if ever you're out on the open ocean due to falling overboard, abandoning ship, helicopter crashing into the ocean. Part of our training was using the 3 basic survival strokes: breast, side, back, to swim 3600M (just under 2 nautical miles).
Should your canoe break in half while you're out, the main thing you need to do is remain calm, assess your situation, assess your general direction to land/safety. Use whatever you have to assist in remaining afloat (i.e. foam seat, ama, PFD). Use your signalling equipment (if you have any) as needed to try to signal nearby boats and aircraft.
If you determine you need to try to make your way to shore, you'll need to know which direction you need to go. Start with slow and easy strokes letting yourself glide in the water before your next stroke to conserve your energy. Do not do a Michael Phelps thinking you're going to be able to easily swim the distance in to shore. You can be in the best shape for swimming, but if you don't remain calm and conserve your energy, you won't make it.
#44 Wed, 10/08/2008 - 1:56am
May come in handy one day
http://www.satphonestore.com/index.cfm?page=itemdetail&ID=260
#45 Wed, 10/08/2008 - 6:37am
The one criticism voiced about personal locater beacons is that more and more people will use them as a first resort instead of as a last resort, overloading Coast Guard, S&R teams, etc.
Be prepared, take responsibility for yourself, call for a rescue as a last resort. Of course if it was me out there, I'd be crying for my mommy from the get go.
#46 Wed, 10/08/2008 - 7:43am
"Has anyone gone as far as taking some instruction on ocean swimming technique as a safety precaution?"
I've had a couple bad days.Generally things go to hell in the late afternoon.
Start picking out reference points IMMEDIATELY. When you're swimming you are low,low in the water Find things that are high on the horizon like towers, smokestacks, and the like. If you can line up two, you have a "range," which will make you swim straighter, but get yourself oriented as soon as possible because it is going to get dark and then the horizon is going to change. Then hope for manmade lights of some kind. A range will give you some idea also of which way the current is running. Cross the current or go with it, don't try to fight it.
Forget the Australian crawl. You need to see more than you need to swim fast. Use the breast stroke and when it gets dark start alternating with the elementary backstroke (sort of the breaststroke on your back.) Elementary backstroke is good for stargazing. More on that later. If you are wearing your lifejacket, it is also easier to swim the breaststroke or elementary back than the crawl
Some night when you are not paddling get someone to show you the most obvious constellations and how to find them in the sky. They call this lifeboat navigation. In the Northern Hemisphere the Big Dipper and Cassiopeia will help you figure out which way is north. Then figure out which general direction you want to go in relation to North.
In the Southern Hemisphere you have the Southern Cross and...don't know. Never crossed the equator.
Hope to heck there isn't lots of cloud cover.
Next Chapter: Sharks which will be addressed by one of our visiting professors from where it is warmer and men are men.
Next Next Chapter: Crocodiles by someone from Australia with gilloolies.
Next Next Next Chapter: Stingrays will be addressed by someone NOT from Australia.
~~~~~~~~~~
YankeeHo'okele
"Anyone can steer the ship when the sea is calm" - Syrus Publilius
#47 Wed, 10/08/2008 - 1:54pm
when i used to teach diving, i used to always emphasize, if you THINK you need to call for help, call for help... better to feel like a jackass than to feel dead...
#48 Wed, 10/08/2008 - 10:54pm
Interesting about the swim strokes. I thought freestyle would be my best bet. It is pretty amazing once you learn an efficient stroke (rolling onto your sides vs plowing) it is not too hard to get that 2.5 mile leg of the triathlon if the water is calm. I have done it in harbors but in rough water? Bad idea?
I am always alone but never too far off the shore. Well, I got my new friend www.findmespot.com
#49 Wed, 10/08/2008 - 11:53pm
This clearly wouldn't have happened if the boat had some chines.
#50 Thu, 10/09/2008 - 10:13am
http://www.surfski.info/content/view/759/155/ is an interesting read about the visibility of paddlers and surfskis to rescuers.
#51 Fri, 10/10/2008 - 2:37pm
TJL
Great perspective on locating the Ski's As a Coast Guardsman for the last 29 years I have looked for dozens of Coconuts( Heads)(people) in the water.
With just a small chop it can be VERY dificult to spot a person in the water.
If you boat is afloat it is always better to stay with it if you are a distance offshore and have the ability to call for assistance. It is always easier to find the Boat. A little refelctive matirial goes along way as well.
Not to pug the boat;-( (fuseman) But the Zepher I bought has retro reflective lettering on all the stickers.
Bring a mirror a well, small compact but very useful in locating when the sun is out.
Jibofo--Though I agree we do not want to constantly alarm the Coas guard or your countries rescue resources, it is always easier to go out early with a good position that it is to search for someone who is reported missing hours later with little info as to where.
I will go back to my earlier post, a VHF radio is a valuable tool, you cell phone will help but your rescuers will be using VHF-FM and you can help vector them in. For around $100.00 you can buy a handheld submergable radio, and oh ya it will give you instant marine weather to get those good down-wind runs when the boat is working as designed.
Basic safety equipment is really all that is required, and it is still always better to paddle with a buddy, but I know, when the wind blows it is not always easy to get that paddling partner.
So just use you head, plan a little and tell the hubby or wife when you plan to return!!
Paddle hard, paddle safe
Ted
#52 Sat, 10/11/2008 - 8:59am
Hey Ted, thanks for your input from a Coasties perspective, it's great having such a diverse range of experience posting on this forum. I agree the safety equipment should be kept basic and simple, more paddlers are likely to use it that way.
And thanks for the comments on the Hammo video in the other thread.
Cheers Rambo
#53 Sat, 10/11/2008 - 3:05pm