here we go again 12/8 kayaker getting into strife

[choppers]

To echo what Owen just said...
We get told not to drink and drive, we all know it increases risk of injury and death, lowers awareness and reaction time.

Yet I and many others have been guilty of drunk driving against what everyone says...
Just putting this into another perspective

[bunyip]

unfortunately you can't legislate against stupidity.

[laneends]

I will put my hand up and confess I turned to the wisdom on this forum after first having a tiny yak and taking it out where it should'nt have gone with no more a check on the weather than based on how warm and sunny it was. What was a tide and a channel? Never gave them a thought. Remounting? Never even thought about it. Dress for cold water immersion? Never a thought.

3 trips on the bays, including the washing machine off Corinella head and that was 3 trips past its capability. I survived and learned better. The problem is it looks easy and new folks just dont perceive the dangers and limited capabilities not only of themselves but of these smaller kayaks in particular.

Just saying, its more naivety than stupidity

[bunyip]

I agree but legislation is something of a joke, I have a boat licence which allows me to be in charge of some quite powerful watercraft yet I never had to set foot in one to get it, just hand over money.
Common sense is not that common and local knowledge is also useful especially the washing machine, I wonder how many are not aware of it, and even in the 23' yacht it is quite an experience, I wouldn't even consider it in a yak.
Hold my drink, watch this........

[Tim399]

Is "the washing machine" a particular patch of rough water?

[bunyip]

yes, nasty little patch that is influenced by current flows conflicting resulting in what looks like staring into a washing machine.
exclusive to wbp off corinella and guaranteed to have you hanging on regardless of size of craft

[outback paul]

I discovered The Washing Machine for the first time last summer in the Revo 13 (very hairy) I would certainly hate to experience it in a short kayak or some E-bay special.

[bjspinner]

I will put my hand up and confess I turned to the wisdom on this after first having a tiny yak and taking it out where it should'nt have gone with no more a check on the weather than based on how warm and sunny it was. What was a tide and a channel? Never gave them a thought. Remounting? Never even thought about it. Dress for cold water immersion? Never a thought.

3 trips on the bays, including the washing machine off Corinella head and that was 3 trips past its capability. I survived and learned better. The problem is it looks easy and new folks just dont perceive the dangers and limited capabilities not only of themselves but of these smaller kayaks in particular.

Just saying, its more naivety than stupidity

Maybe you are just more sensible than some!
Big noting and bravado has gotten many into to trouble some live on the edge and don't see the danger others do, just like reckless drivers feel it's no problem with there driving.

[laneends]

Is "the washing machine" a particular patch of rough water?

Heading around the heads from Corinella to Coronet bay. Around Pelican Island and Snapper rock. Tide runs hard and there is a confluence of channels and shallow banks, so it seems to run every which way. Add in a SWerly wind against run out tide it peaks and troughs with all kinds of eddies.

I drifted around on a slack, calm as turned and it was boring through. Very scary in my little 3m job.

[chrisw]

The biggest problem the MSV have, is getting people aware of groups like this and other social media options, before they go out for the first time.

Maybe there's scope for some sort of basic Kayak safety warning sign that could be put up at popular launch spots? While we can't make people read them at least those who are receptive might take note. Especially warning about the dangers of going out in windy conditions for example.

With a little prodding I suspect local councils may support this.