why no deck lines on a fors kajak...
There seems to be a few questions about what a Multisposrt kayak or a white water kayak should have in regards to safety features, so here is are some pointers:
A white water kayak should have:
Airbags rear and if possible front so its easier to swim in with. And to help handles front and back should be strong enough to lift it full of water off the ground.
A white water kayak should not have:
Deck lines on the deck, these can get hooked on trees rocks etc when paddling on moving water posing a greater risk than benefit ( Personal experience includes a tragic accident in Austria where a girl had deck line caught between her neck and a bridge pylon the inflatable canoe was wrapped on).
A multisport kayak is a broad description, does it include ocean or open water padling then decklines are something to consider, but on the river the same rule for ww kayak applies. And naturally good floatation is very important. Handles should always be there font and back or if not back a rudder to hold onto.
The accident was a great loss, Jonas has paddled in ÅEC for many years successfully, and has been here on a course at least once with us. I can say we all missed his presence last year.
What we need to learn most of all, any of us could easily find ourselves in a similar situation, I can admit I have taken risks like they did this day, but fortunately I got away with it. ( Do you always wear a helmet riding a bike? I would consider this a bigger risk, or how many of us paddle alone even in winter, "guilty on this one your honour"). But to look into what could be better and learn is important, it was this reason I learnt to teach river rescue after loosing a rafting client to an accident 20 years ago.
So there are definitely things they could have done better and we will learn from them and other incidents, for example correct clothing, correct flotation in the kayak, and the right skills and judgement to go out, but these will only minimise risks and accidents will continue to happen.
Have a great xmas, and if you go out on the water be safe.
James / Kajaktiv