High Brace
The High Brace is an essential technique for coping with a broach into the side of a high wave. It’s also useful to help prevent an unanticipated capsize. This small, quiet lake provided neither of these situations for the demonstration so I cheated a little by grasping the end of my greenland paddle. In a real emergency brace you probably would not have time for this, but the technique will still work. It also works fine with a euro paddle.
STEPHEN THRELKELD
1924-2014
It is with sadness that GLSKA notes the death of Stephen Threlkeld on January 10, 2014. Stephen was a founding member of GLSKA and a member of the first Board of Directors; he was an active trip participant and leader, newsletter contributor, and served as Trip Coordinator and club President.
Jim Fitton
Snow White had found her Prince Charming among the seven little men and wished to celebrate her honeymoon on the north tip of Beausoleil Island together, of course, with the other six dwarves. But, in one of those strange last-minute twists of fate, she saw her plans go up in smoke, like smoke up a chimney. But we are jumping far forward and must go back to the beginning of this adventure.
by Erwin Buck
For kayakers, photography presents a special challenge. There is only so much storage space to take equipment like extra lenses, tripods, etc. And then there is the issue of water- proofing your camera if you plan to have it handy while you’re paddling. Fortunately there are now relatively inexpensive waterproof cameras.As well, there are many waterproof containers for cameras or smart phones which reduce the risk of damaging the camera with that unexpected spray of water from your paddle. I have a Canon D20 Powershot which takes high quality images and HD video. It is always attached to my PDF and I never worry about getting it wet.
So then, how do you great pictures? Luck, technology, and planning.
by Ralph Gardave
You may be thinking that this article has little relevance to you as you are not one of those “crazy” people who paddle in winter weather conditions. If you missed my last article in Qayaq you may wish to read it, as it will bring relevance to this one. The Peel Marine Unit considers any rescue in Lake Ontario to be a “Cold Water Rescue” when the surface temperatures are 20° C or colder. For Lake Ontario that usually means any month other than July, August and September. Most of us paddle in waters farther north and therefore the window of time is even shorter.
RELEASE OF LIABILITY, WAIVER OF CLAIMS, ASSUMPTION OF RISKS AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT (hereinafter the "Release Agreement") BY ACCEPTING THIS DOCUMENT YOU WILL WAIVE OR GIVE UP CERTAIN LEGAL RIGHTS, INCLUDING THE RIGHT TO SUE FOR NEGLIGENCE OR BREACH OF CONTRACT OR TO CLAIM COMPENSATION FOLLOWING AN ACCIDENT
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY!
In this Release Agreement, the term Sea Kayaking Activities shall include but is not limited to: all activities, events or services provided, arranged, organized, conducted, sponsored or authorized by the Releasees and shall including moving water, still water, lake and ocean kayaking; loan or rental of kayaks (hereinafter "the boats") and other equipment; orientational and instructional courses, seminars and sessions; all travel, transportation, and accommodation; food, beverage including water supply, use of equipment, and multi-day camping or overnight stays in the outdoors.
In this Release Agreement, the term "Negligence" includes the failure by the Releasees to use such care as a reasonably prudent and careful guide, instructor, trip organizer or sea kayaking operator would use under similar circumstances, or breach of any other duty of care imposed by law.
Participation in Sea Kayaking Activities involves various risks, dangers and hazards including the risk of serious injury, paralysis or death. Sea Kayaking Activities often take place in remote wilderness locations, where assistance, medical and first aid services and evacuation may not be readily available, and communication may be difficult or not possible. The risks, dangers and hazards that may be encountered include, but are not limited to: accidents which occur during transportation or travel to and from the departure point; slips and falls while getting into or out of the boats; overturning of the boats; loss of balance; impact or collision with objects; cold water immersion; repetitive strain injuries; dislocated shoulders; hypothermia; drowning; changing and inclement weather conditions including storms, high wind, high waves, and lightning; encounters with domestic or wild animals; infectious disease contracted through viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi which may be transmitted through direct or indirect contact; negligence on the part of other participants; and NEGLIGENCE ON THE PART THE RELEASEES. I UNDERSTAND THAT NEGLIGENCE INCLUDES FAILURE ON THE PART OF THE RELEASEES TO TAKE REASONABLE STEPS TO SAFEGUARD OR PROTECT ME FROM OR WARN ME OF THE RISKS, DANGERS AND HAZARDS OF PARTICIPATING IN SEA KAYAKING ACTIVITIES.
Please refer to the GLSKA Risk Management Strategy section of their website for further information regarding the risks, dangers and hazards that may be encountered during Sea Kayaking Activities.
RELEASE OF LIABILITY, WAIVER OF CLAIMS, ASSUMPTION OF RISKS AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT (hereinafter the "Release Agreement") BY ACCEPTING THIS DOCUMENT YOU WILL WAIVE OR GIVE UP CERTAIN LEGAL RIGHTS, INCLUDING THE RIGHT TO SUE FOR NEGLIGENCE OR BREACH OF CONTRACT OR TO CLAIM COMPENSATION FOLLOWING AN ACCIDENT
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY!
I AM AWARE OF THE RISKS, DANGERS AND HAZARDS ASSOCIATED WITH PARTICIPATING IN SEA KAYAKING ACTIVITIES AND I FREELY ACCEPT AND FULLY ASSUME ALL SUCH RISKS, DANGERS AND HAZARDS AND THE POSSIBILITY OF PERSONAL INJURY, DEATH, PROPERTY DAMAGE OR LOSS RESULTING THEREFROM.
In consideration of the Releasees allowing me to participate in Sea Kayaking Activities as defined in this Release Agreement, I hereby agree as follows:
In entering into this Release Agreement I am not relying on any oral or written representations or statements made by the Releasees with respect to the safety of Sea Kayaking Activities, other than what is set forth in this Release Agreement.
I CONFIRM THAT I HAVE READ THIS RELEASE AGREEMENT, AND I AM AWARE THAT BY ACCEPTING THIS RELEASE AGREEMENT I AM WAIVING CERTAIN LEGAL RIGHTS WHICH I OR MY HEIRS, NEXT OF KIN, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, ASSIGNS AND REPRESENTATIVES MAY HAVE AGAINST THE RELEASEES.