Accidents happen. And they can happen unexpectedly to even the most seasoned paddlers, and on any type of water. Sometimes it’s better to not look away, but rather, to take a second, closer look at what exactly went wrong. By examining the full situation, and determining the critical decisions involved (and their consequences), we can learn to make the choices that matter most. With that hope of helping paddlers make that next safe choice, we’ve been working in partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard to present our new four-part Paddling Accidents video series. In each episode, we cast the spotlight on real paddlers recounting an everyday experience on the water gone awry that resulted in rescue. Survivors and witnesses alike relive difficult stories in order to share an important lesson. In the third installment, Jill Lee recounts how she narrowly survived a squall on the west side of Maui. Lee kayaked out with a paddling partner, each in their own individual sit-on-top kayaks, for a day of snorkeling and freediving. When an unexpected storm blew in, they were separated. While her partner made it back to shore, Lee did not. Eventually, with her kayak taking on water from large waves and heavy wind, Lee decided to tie the boat to herself and swim for shore. After 11 hours at sea, Coast Guard officials reached her in knee-deep water. She was severely hypothermic. This story is a reminder to not just paddle with a partner but to have a plan should things go wrong. — View Paddling Accidents Episode 1: Laguna Beach, CA, Episode 2: Dungeness Spit, WA, and check out more tips and knowledge to help you paddle safer. — Check out our Safer Paddling Series.
The article was originally published on Canoe & Kayak
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Accidents happen. And they can happen unexpectedly to even the most seasoned paddlers, and on any type of water. Sometimes it’s better to not look away, but rather, to take a second, closer look at what exactly went wrong. By examining the full situation, and determining the critical decisions involved (and their consequences), we can learn to make the choices that matter most. With that hope of helping paddlers make that next safe choice, we’ve been working in partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard to present our new four-part Paddling Accidents video series. In each episode, we cast the spotlight on real paddlers recounting an everyday experience on the water gone awry that resulted in rescue. Survivors and witnesses alike relive difficult stories in order to share an important lesson.
In the third installment, Jill Lee recounts how she narrowly survived a squall on the west side of Maui. Lee kayaked out with a paddling partner, each in their own individual sit-on-top kayaks, for a day of snorkeling and freediving. When an unexpected storm blew in, they were separated. While her partner made it back to shore, Lee did not. Eventually, with her kayak taking on water from large waves and heavy wind, Lee decided to tie the boat to herself and swim for shore. After 11 hours at sea, Coast Guard officials reached her in knee-deep water. She was severely hypothermic. This story is a reminder to not just paddle with a partner but to have a plan should things go wrong.
— View Paddling Accidents Episode 1: Laguna Beach, CA, Episode 2: Dungeness Spit, WA, and check out more tips and knowledge to help you paddle safer.
— Check out our Safer Paddling Series.
The article was originally published on Canoe & Kayak
For access to exclusive gear videos, celebrity interviews, and more, subscribe on YouTube!
More News
Famed Yosemite Climber Zach Milligan Dies After Ice Climbing Fall
Skiing in Japan Is Back Again—and the Powder Was Worth the Wait
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The North Face Introduces Athlete Development Program
Ocean Rower Fiann Paul Completes Most Grueling Expedition
Snowmobile-accessed Ski Touring in Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana
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More News
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Skiing in Japan Is Back Again—and the Powder Was Worth the Wait
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More News
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Skiing in Japan Is Back Again—and the Powder Was Worth the Wait
10 Winter Hikes to Keep You Trailblazing All Year Round
The North Face Introduces Athlete Development Program
Ocean Rower Fiann Paul Completes Most Grueling Expedition
Snowmobile-accessed Ski Touring in Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana
All Stories
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