I’ve always been intrigued by the line in this video. Funnel Falls is a classic class III and that tongue is a safe line to avoid the weird laterals. Not to mention staying in the current to keep speed. Also, most people have leashes that are way too long. When I’ve used open locks I’ve had pretty short leashes that don’t get wound up and are harder to get stuck in.
On the second wave swim, I don't think the issue is lack of downstream ferry, its just not Teeing up to the wave. In both swims that was the mistake. Also, alot of times if I am going to hit a big wave/hole, I very briefly drop my weight down. Its saved me a few times.
I would disagree with you thinking she shouldn't blow the whistle after the first boat flips. . Its at the most 2 seconds it alerts the boat behind in case they didn't see the flip. As far as "raising anxiety". once a boat flips everyone should become, alert, aware and anxious to go help the boater/boat that flipped. I agree their spacing was not good. I think they should have accessible flip line that are secure but accessible to aide a swimmer getting back in the boat solo. I've seen webbing with stirrups/steps in it secured in a pouch on the frame on both sides that a swimmer could deploy to help them back in a boat, particularly in a big raft where climbing in solo is really difficult. This raft isn't very big but still she was unable to get back in without assistance.
The boat behind was too far behind to be useful. Additionally whistles aren't very loud so they probably wouldn't hear it. In big rapids like that other boaters need to be alert wether there is a whistle or not.
I was one of those supportive comments a year ago. Not sure why the video is just now getting attention(winter boredom?). Lots of things she could work on. She admits that in her video description. I will give her kudos. The girl had the guts to post her swims. You have to expect the nay-sayers, but my gosh. I hope she comes back with her lessons learned, and doesn't quit because of the armchair QB's. In regards to your spacing concerns, even at my strongest, this corridor has spun me out of my line messing up spacing at all kinds of water levels from 3k, the terrible teens, and up to 38k. The massive swirls will impact one boat significantly, and then leave the next boat in the fast current. We always plan to start with tight spacing like you say, but by the skull corner we're usually no where near where we started. I hear you that all boats need to pay attention to the spacing, and should strive to keep it. However, I would argue that even with the class IV skillset, it doesn't always go as you want.
Yes I agree it can be hard to maintain spacing. We should, however, continue to work towards getting our group back into correct order and spacing. From what I could see this group wasn't trying to fix their spacing problems.
Zach I'm curious to know what you would do with a person rowing solo who cannot get back in their own boat? My first thoughts are that she's in the middle of the pack because she's lacking experience in comparison to the lead boat and should be paired up with someone in her boat and not be alone. If I'd have started the trip with her solo then saw the first time she got tossed and was unable to get back in, I would have regrouped and paired her up with someone or changed captains. Two swims in a row is probably a little unnerving and she's got to be tired after the second one.
I run a belly strap that goes around the top of thwarts that has handles sewn into the strap to help pull myself in the boat. What is your opinion on belly straps on rafts? Are they safer or introduce a new hazard? Thanks
I like straps along the bottom of the boat. Straps on the top of the boat are a hazard so I don’t use them but do appreciate why some people choose to use them.
