SURVIVE
PHOTOS: NEIL WRIGHT
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Locals
It goes without saying…if you hear banjo music, paddle as fast as you can and don’t look back. All kidding aside, as representatives of the paddling community, it is our responsibility to act in a respectable and friendly manner toward locals. Keep in mind that we are in their backyard.
Friendly conversation, leaving the site clean and keeping your speed down when driving through small communities helps boost the public image of paddlers. Also, before travelling to an area, learn the public put-ins and camping.
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Icy Water DON’T PANIC. Panic can result in
inhalation of large amounts of water and zap precious energy critical to survival. The U.S. Search and Rescue Task Force says that “cold water robs the body’s heat 32 times faster than cold air and all efforts should be given to getting out of the water fast.”
Failing a speedy exodus from this numbing situation, conserving energy will effectively extend your survival time. “Cross your arms tightly against your chest and draw your knees up” if you’re wearing a PFD, says the Canadian Red Cross. “The HELP (Heat Escape Lessening Position) can increase your survival time by 50 per cent.” Prevention is your best means of survival.
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A Strainer A strainer is a tree that has fallen
in the current and traps everything that tries to float through it. According to river rescue experts, if you are out of your boat and headed towards a strainer, swim aggressively towards it and try to launch yourself up on top of it.
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Losing Your Canoe If you’ve followed wilderness
tripping wisdom, you’ll be travelling in a group of at least three canoes. Pare down your kit and stash excess gear in a location you can return to. Now the two remaining boats have three paddlers each and it’s time to go canoe hunting. Be aware that the missing canoe is an elusive creature and you may very well have to finish your trip without it. If you’re tripping solo, your canoe trip has just turned into a hiking trip. A satellite messenger, full maps of the area, a compass and a GPS device are extremely handy in these situations.
Being Lost in the Woods
The first thing you should do is S.T.O.P.— Stop, Think, Observe and Plan. Created by SAS survival instructor Lofty Wiseman, this acronym may save your life. Stop moving, take an inventory, make yourself comfortable and assist searchers by being noticeable. If your plan is to move, leave a trail of clues that searchers can follow.
Marshall on marshmallows… PHOTO: VIRGINIA MARSHALL
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Marshmallow Burn After discussing the hazards of
waving about flaming marshmallows with a group of 13-years-olds, Family Camping contributor and guide Virginia Marshall was smacked in the cheek with a flaming ball of sugar and gelatin. “It was surprising and painful,” recalls Marshall, who was left with a second-degree burn. Instead of waving it, Marshall offers this advice: If your marshmallow catches on fire, calmly blow it out, and make sure your first aid kit is stocked with moist burn pads.
Without Facebook Update everyone in your group
with your status hourly. Comment on everything anyone else says. Invite other paddlers you meet to be your friend. Bring chalk to write on rock walls. Send invitations to people for all events, like breakfast and dishes. Give thumbs up to everything you like. Begin campfire stories with, “My name is Jim and I’m a social media-holic.” Do solo trips.
#14
Canoe Capsize If you are travelling in a group and you capsize in the middle of a lake or moving river, then a canoe-over-canoe rescue may be your best option.
• Form a T-shape with the rescue canoe alongside the end of the overturned boat.
• Grab the end of the capsized canoe and lift it onto your gunwales while instructing the swimmers to push down on the far end to help break the suction of the overturned boat.
• Slide the upside-down canoe across your gunwales so both ends are out of the water, then flip the drained boat right side up and slip it back into the water.
• Stabilize the canoe alongside your own while the swimmers climb back in one at a time.
www.canoerootsmag.com 41
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