Comments for Gordon's Survival Tips at http://www.surfski.info , comment 0 to 9 out of 9 comments http://www.surfski.info Sat, 30 Aug 2008 04:11:35 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.2 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/425/155/#pc_1693 I have been in the chop where hypothermia started in the hands shaking, the involuntary muscle movement that feeling of helpless that creeps in. it could help to have set times to practice getting back into your ski. maybe at a community pool they sometimes let kayakers have the pool after closing. Just to get use to getting back on I have only fallen of once but i have only been skiing a couple of years i am a canoe racer. - Mike Billy Wed, 07 Nov 2007 17:42:44 +0100 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/425/155/#pc_934 Yep, KW, Gordon is a very experienced spearfisherman who has spent many hours swimming in that exact location and by "taxman" is indeed referring to our friends the GW sharks that are present in some abundance in False Bay. - Rob Mousley Tue, 12 Jun 2007 12:27:22 +0100 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/425/155/#pc_933 Hey Gary The weather report was exactly why we were there in the first place! As someone once said "Small craft advisory" = "Wake up surfskiers, come and play!". We made mistakes on this day (we started too late for one thing) but the Millers Run in extreme conditions is one of the primary reasons I paddle. Cheers Rob - Rob Mousley Tue, 12 Jun 2007 12:24:44 +0100 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/425/155/#pc_932 Maybe people shouldn’t get themselves into this type situation in the first place. You can’t be heroic when you are dead. Next time try the weather report.... - Gary Tue, 12 Jun 2007 12:11:26 +0100 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/425/155/#pc_931 I've had a couple of nasties to learn from. Nothing like experience. You really captured a couple of good points that many people don't quite hear: 1) When you're in the soup, doing the simplest things is incredibly complicated. If it takes more than one or two buttons (VHF vs. Cellphone) you'll curse the device. 2) being measured and deliberate takes concentration and effort. Common sense is the rarest possesion when conditions go to hell. Great heart shares the learning. - onereivers Mon, 11 Jun 2007 21:51:29 +0100 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/425/155/#pc_929 Gordon Laing is a name I haven't heard for many years! Glad to hear you are paddling. - xpat Sun, 10 Jun 2007 20:59:39 +0100 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/425/155/#pc_928 Terrific suggestions! Thanks. For this S FL person, what is the "Taxman"? A great white? Keith - KW Sun, 10 Jun 2007 20:39:47 +0100 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/425/155/#pc_927 I remember you from the PE- EL race. Glad you were so calm and sorted it out. Thanks for the advice - I hope I never need it. Do not follow all your tips - maybe this site can follow this sory up with a 'photo series' on some of your points. Where do you put the paddle..you say lie it under you? How do you actually fire a hand held flare. I had them with me on the PE/EL never even opened the box - and would not have a clue! Thanks again & I am glad you were dry & did not meet the taxman. See you at the next PE-EL which is without question, the greatest ski race on the planet. - GD Sun, 10 Jun 2007 05:53:38 +0100 http://www.surfski.info/content/view/425/155/#pc_926 Good Stuff, Thank You and stay well, when our time is up the water is the way to go, not an Old folks home. Cheers Joseph - Joseph 666 Sun, 10 Jun 2007 00:58:54 +0100