Last week, I answered a few questions Australian sea kayaker Tess Dodd posed about navigating a sea cave. This week we answer the rest of her important questions.
Tess: “In the event of an unexpected large wave entering the sea cave, what is the best way to minimize injury from being pushed farther in or getting bashed against the ceiling of a cave?”
Whether expected or unexpected, a large wave entering a cave is no laughing matter. The best way to minimize injury from being pushed farther in (and thus getting wedged in the side walls or crashing against the back wall) is to paddle like the Dickens right into the wave and clear it, so you don’t get pushed back.
The best way to avoid getting bashed against the cave ceiling is to paddle toward the wave and/or the spot with the highest ceiling, and purposefully roll upside down just as the wave is lifting you toward the ceiling. This will protect your head, as it is imperative that you avoid getting knocked out. If you get knocked out, you are toast. So, let your hull hit the ceiling. As soon as the wave begins to subside, and the danger of hitting the ceiling passes, roll back up and skedaddle out of the cave. You can reassess the situation once you are outside and safe.
The trick to dealing with waves in caves is to be thoroughly aware of your environment. Instead of being awestruck with the beauty and/or terrified of the danger, tune in to what is all around you. Go to the safest spot in the cave and stay there until it’s okay to transition to another safe spot. Tsunami Rangers call a safe spot a “station.” Look for stations as you pass through the cave. You may just need them!
Tess: “If someone capsizes and ends up in the water in a cave, what is the best recovery scenario?”
The easiest and by far the best recovery scenario is the paddler rolls right back up and continues on like nothing happened. If the person is out of her boat, then she needs to get back in the boat pronto (using a practiced method of self-recovery) and proceed to a station so she can take a few moments to check herself out (e.g., make sure her spray skirt is attached) and catch her breath.
The above is the easy way only if you are a competent paddler. This is why I don’t recommend that beginners enter sea caves unless it is very safe (i.e., a huge cavern with flat seas). Why look for trouble?
If you are a good boater and can’t get in your boat for some reason (e.g., it gets yanked out of your hand and disappears into a black hole), then you’ll have to swim. It may be that you can easily swim to your boat and recover, but if not, then swim out of the cave. If waves come in, take a breath and dive for the floor, letting the wave pass over you. Then pop back up and continue swimming for the exit. This could go on for several minutes until you reach safety, so it pays to stay calm and be a good swimmer. Note: if you are a panicker or a poor swimmer, NEVER kayak in a cave!
If you have a competent team of kayakers with you (and you should!), and if it’s safe for one or more of them to be in the cave (you don’t need a bunch of victims getting in your way), one of them can back his boat up to you so you can climb on the back deck and be paddled to safety (which usually means out of the cave, but could be to your boat or a station).
Alternatively, another boater could throw you a rescue bag and then tow you out as you help by doing frog kicks. Finally, another boater (only if it’s safe) can retrieve your boat and get it to you after you are at a station, and together you can effect a recovery.
Note that I said roll or recover as the number one recovery scenario and swim out as number two. Note that having other boaters assist you is the last recovery option. The reason is that whatever caused the capsize may still be present, and you don’t want everyone to be endangered trying to attempt a rescue. It’s better for the person in the water to save herself. Does this make sense? The lesson is DON’T GO IN A CAVE IF YOU CAN’T SELF-RESCUE!
Tess: “When entering a tight cave, is it better to go in forward or to back in?”
Usually, it’s better just to paddle forward, so you can see where you are going. However, if you do this, you must have good back paddling skills and keep a weather eye out for what’s behind you.
Sometimes it just feels better to back in to the cave so you can get out easily. This method usually makes you feel safer. The drawback is you can’t easily see what is ahead of you. Bottom line: Either way is okay. Whatever works for you.
Tess: “Can a group enter a sea cave, or is it better to have just a few people in the cave?”
Generally, it’s better to have just a few people in the cave at once. Two is the ideal number, as you reap the benefit of the buddy system but avoid the liability of a herd of kayakers filling up a small space. It’s best to tackle a cave as a team. Two good people go in first, while others stay outside the cave and relay information (such as “Here comes a big wave!”). When the first two are out of the cave, the next two go in, and so forth. It’s probably okay for a group of tourist kayakers to occupy a huge cavern with no waves. It makes for good pictures.
To be safe and have fun in sea caves, work with trusted kayaking companions on caving techniques. Practice rescue scenarios and perfect your recovery and swimming skills.
Questions? Comments?
gnarlydog says
Thank you for this post.
Your blog is one I can learn from.
I love your humble way of writing too.
I have previously read stories boasting of situations involving “40 knots wind and sharks circling…” where the reader is discouraged from attempting to paddle the same location without any explanation other than “coz you are just not good enough”.
While you could be just beating your chest (and rightfully so, you really could) you share your knowledge with others interested in your exploits and willing to have similar experience.
Describing the dangers is essential but at the same time you encourage pushing your personal limits, within a safe environment.
Eric Soares says
Thanks, Gnarlydog. I believe you are the first person to ever say “I love your humble way of writing,” so I’m somewhat embarrassed.
BTW, I read your blog (I encourage everyone to do so) on copyright infringement, and agree with you. My creed: “for any professional use [which includes anything in any public medium], ALWAYS get permission from the photographer or artist.” It’s common courtesy.
Tess says
W.O.W. Great post. Thank you so much for your detailed reply to my questions Eric.
It appears I failed cave safety 1-0-1 from the moment we discovered the caves…ooops!
My head torch and helmet were not on my head and it took me all of 15 seconds to enter the caves, not the 15 minutes you advise….
Coming from a sandy environment, I was immediately mesmerised by the mystical interiors, gentle swell and ‘balrog’ noises, which drew me in without much preparation. I can’t wait to discover more, hopefully in a safer manner thanks to your advice.
I’ll continue rolling and swimming and will add ‘skedaddle’ to my practice routine.
I’m sure I’ll have more questions for you down the track, stay tuned.
Eric Soares says
Hi Tess,
I’m glad this blog was useful. Thank you again for your cogent questions. I welcome questions and comments from my readers.
John Lull says
Hey Eric, great blog! I’ll check in often; looks like fun. On the sea cave questions, your answers are spot on and I don’t have much to add but I can always come up with something. So here goes.
With regard to getting closed out against the ceiling by a wave, the first line of defense is to scout the cave from just outside (I know you covered this to some extent in part 1). Look well into the cave, try to judge the height of the ceiling, and then watch the largest wave sets to see how close they get to the ceiling. If the waves hit the overhanging rock or get too close, it’s best to stay out because there’s no way to know if another large wave will arrive while you’re in there. Not to be gruesome, but aside from hitting your head (you do have a helmet on), the real danger is breaking your neck or back from compression. So yes, be ready to roll over if you get caught.
Another thing to look for is how shallow the water is in the cave. If it’s fairly shallow, waves can break in the cave which can be a problem. Deep water means the waves will surge rather than break and be easier to handle.
Regarding whether or not to back in, I like to back in if the cave is very narrow and I don’t think I can turn around to exit the cave. Also, you can see the waves coming at you if back in, which might be an advantage. If there’s another exit, or the cave is wider, it might be just as well to go in forward.
Eric Soares says
Excellent insight and suggestions, John. Mahalo!