Taking on Jeff's Joy Get the Family Kayaking ... - Canoe & Kayak

Motuora Antics
- It happens to the best of us
by Diana Austin
Should you laugh when your trip leader
falls out? It really was funny!
An excellent safety brief – one of the best
we had encountered – started our weekend.
Russell asked “What’s the biggest safety risk?”
Some didn’t give the right answer, but yes it was
hypothermia. “ If anyone falls in the water get
them out quick. No fancy rescue methods that
may delay getting them out of the water!”
We had an easy going paddle to Motuora Island,
set up camp, had lunch then paddled round the
island. Russell, in his nice new Kevlar, mossied
around inside the swell.
Most of the group paddled well outside which
gave them a great view.
A wave rose. So did Russell. The wave broke
and so did Russell. Well, not quite, he was just
under water, swirling around, paddle in the air.
What was that safety message again? Yes,
‘get him out of the water quick’! “Not I,” said
the Austins,, “We’ve got children onboard.”
“Not I,” said Greg, “I’m taking the photos!”…
Up piped Russell, “It’s actually quite nice
in here”. Phew – had he noticed the lack of
enthusiasm? “There’s no need to come and
get me,” he said, “I’ve got it under control.
Just couldn’t roll it up!” “ Is that right Russell?”
Minus a hat and a drink bottle (you can ask him
about the bruises) and with his Kevlar intact, we
returned to camp.
A few phone calls back to mates, “having a
great time, standing on the beach with my shirt
off…” He’s obviously an engineer, they seem to
follow the principle, always the truth but never
the whole truth. So for all those who got that bit
of the truth, this article is for you!