Comment on the Weekend Sea Kayaking Tragedy

As you might have heard in extensive national coverage, there was a tragic sea kayaking accident on Sunday. Eight"experienced" adventure racers encountered very bad weather conditions, resulting in two kayaks capsizing - resulting in two of them dying, likely from hypothermia.

Here's a good report from the CBC on what transpired:

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/british-columbia/story/2007/10/08/kayak-death.html

Although I wasn't there and thus cannot comment fully on their capabilities, I can glean enough from the extensive news reports to make some recommendations as to what sea kayakers should be doing as a matter of course:

• Check the weather forecast beforehand - if the forecast calls (as it did on sunday) for heavy rain and strong winds, reconsider your plans;
• Know the area you're paddling through - some areas are particularly well known for channeling and intensifying winds (in particular, the channel between Anvil Island and the mainland);
• Dress for the water (i.e. if you ended up in the water, how would you stay warm?). A wetsuit is necessary for most times of the year on the coast - dry suits are needed in the winter;
• Carry a waterproof marine radio and, in intense conditions, ensure it is clipped to your life jacket.

In addition, carrying flares is a good idea. Unfortunately, the group does not appear to have followed any of these recommendations.

The trip that these guys attempted is an excellent trip in good conditions. I did it on my own earlier this year.