What to do if you swim...Or how to help others Swim ?
So it takes me a good four days to get to wring a blog about last Sunday. That makes me great at 'doing', not writing about it afterwards, I guess?
Anyway, last Sunday was Mother's Day, May 14th. Despite this Cyndi and I hosted the Second Annual CPA Swim Support Training Day at Truxton Park in Annapolis. What does all that mean, you ask? Well, this is the second year that Cyndi and I have been taking the lead in offering kayak support to the swimmers who challenge themselves by crossing the Chesapeake Bay under the Bay Bridge at Sandy Point in Annapolis. For many years before last, Make V. and Alan A. have taken on this exciting chore. This year, it will be Cyndi and myself, with help from Dan H. and Peter F., who will be supporting the One Mile Swim at the same time on the Eastern Side of the Bridge. "Thanks Guys!"
You know how long that bridge seems when you drive over it, right? Imagine having to swim under it in water that is salty, cold, not very clear at all, and sometimes very choppy and with strong currents!? Not for the faint of heart (or myself either)! I choose to join in the excitement by supporting the swimmers in my kayak. Kayaks are traditionally the only support boats that are allowed in the lanes amongst the swimmers. We are the first immediate support of the swimmers, and often the only things that they see the whole way across the Bay. And I am proud to say that every swimmer I have ever met who has taken part in this event has praised us kayakers for the support we give them. If you have helped out on this swim, or plan to this year, give yourself a pat-on-the-back from all the swimmers.
Back to Sunday. Despite the promise of Mother's Day and the threat of thunderstorms, fourteen people showed up to the Training Day. We discussed the logistics of the swim for about an hour; telling everyone how to watch the swimmers for distress, and what to do if they need to help out a swimmer in the open water. After this, we changed into paddling gear and convened on the water at the back edge of Spa Creek. Cyndi and I acted as swimmers so that everyone could practice taking charge of the situation and get practice towing someone who is holding onto the bow of their boat. This lead into practice of how to handle one's self if the situation calls for it; specifically re-entry and rescue practice. First to leap from his boat was Peter C. He has no fear of getting wet, that is for sure. Although I must say retrieving a Klepper double folding boat from a capsized position can be a challenge.
I commend everyone who joined us. We all got lots of practice. Cyndi, Dave R., Peter, Faye, Jennifer, and everyone else practiced paddle float re-entries, T-rescues of many varieties, scoop rescues, cowboy scrambles, and even hand-of-god rescues. I personally felt I needed to practice scoop rescues, so I chose Todd to try this on. He is a challenge to get back into his boat sometimes, and I got some good work there. Perhaps it helped.
After a couple of hours splashing around and having fun practicing our safety skills, we returned to the cover of a pavilion and chowed down on food that the club graciously offered to provide for the event. The weather still threatened to explode over us, although it held out long enough to let us have some great conversations about kayaks, places to paddle, and other paddling related topics. After all, that is what kayakers talk about when they get together.
Just after Cyndi and I packed up to go home, the weather finally broke. Thanks to Mother Nature for holding off long enough to give us a great Mother's Day to practice on the water. And thanks many times over for everyone who dared to join us on Sunday for the wonderful time that it was. If I did not mention you by name here, I mention you in my thanks. Without all you dedicated club members who want to learn and help others, we would not be able to support such great events as the Chesapeake Bay Swim.
See ya on the water!
Anyway, last Sunday was Mother's Day, May 14th. Despite this Cyndi and I hosted the Second Annual CPA Swim Support Training Day at Truxton Park in Annapolis. What does all that mean, you ask? Well, this is the second year that Cyndi and I have been taking the lead in offering kayak support to the swimmers who challenge themselves by crossing the Chesapeake Bay under the Bay Bridge at Sandy Point in Annapolis. For many years before last, Make V. and Alan A. have taken on this exciting chore. This year, it will be Cyndi and myself, with help from Dan H. and Peter F., who will be supporting the One Mile Swim at the same time on the Eastern Side of the Bridge. "Thanks Guys!"
You know how long that bridge seems when you drive over it, right? Imagine having to swim under it in water that is salty, cold, not very clear at all, and sometimes very choppy and with strong currents!? Not for the faint of heart (or myself either)! I choose to join in the excitement by supporting the swimmers in my kayak. Kayaks are traditionally the only support boats that are allowed in the lanes amongst the swimmers. We are the first immediate support of the swimmers, and often the only things that they see the whole way across the Bay. And I am proud to say that every swimmer I have ever met who has taken part in this event has praised us kayakers for the support we give them. If you have helped out on this swim, or plan to this year, give yourself a pat-on-the-back from all the swimmers.
Back to Sunday. Despite the promise of Mother's Day and the threat of thunderstorms, fourteen people showed up to the Training Day. We discussed the logistics of the swim for about an hour; telling everyone how to watch the swimmers for distress, and what to do if they need to help out a swimmer in the open water. After this, we changed into paddling gear and convened on the water at the back edge of Spa Creek. Cyndi and I acted as swimmers so that everyone could practice taking charge of the situation and get practice towing someone who is holding onto the bow of their boat. This lead into practice of how to handle one's self if the situation calls for it; specifically re-entry and rescue practice. First to leap from his boat was Peter C. He has no fear of getting wet, that is for sure. Although I must say retrieving a Klepper double folding boat from a capsized position can be a challenge.
I commend everyone who joined us. We all got lots of practice. Cyndi, Dave R., Peter, Faye, Jennifer, and everyone else practiced paddle float re-entries, T-rescues of many varieties, scoop rescues, cowboy scrambles, and even hand-of-god rescues. I personally felt I needed to practice scoop rescues, so I chose Todd to try this on. He is a challenge to get back into his boat sometimes, and I got some good work there. Perhaps it helped.
After a couple of hours splashing around and having fun practicing our safety skills, we returned to the cover of a pavilion and chowed down on food that the club graciously offered to provide for the event. The weather still threatened to explode over us, although it held out long enough to let us have some great conversations about kayaks, places to paddle, and other paddling related topics. After all, that is what kayakers talk about when they get together.
Just after Cyndi and I packed up to go home, the weather finally broke. Thanks to Mother Nature for holding off long enough to give us a great Mother's Day to practice on the water. And thanks many times over for everyone who dared to join us on Sunday for the wonderful time that it was. If I did not mention you by name here, I mention you in my thanks. Without all you dedicated club members who want to learn and help others, we would not be able to support such great events as the Chesapeake Bay Swim.
See ya on the water!
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