Another Hobie rescue -- or two -- or three

It started out peacefully enough, but a couple of miles downstream one of our local Santa Ana winds came blasting in rather suddenly. With winds locally up to about 20 MPH occasionally gusting to 40 it didn't take much time for the local chop to rise to the occasion.

For those familiar with Hobies in the wind, the only real concern is keeping your hat on while you take your "shower" and wondering why you didn't remember the soap. For others though, this can be an uncomfortable surprise





First rescue:
Soon enough I spotted a paddle kayak and proceeded to see if they needed any assistance. On the way I spotted another two kayaks lashed together. Turned out to be a couple of kids (without life vests on) whose Dad had left them to seek help (presumably).



We got ourselves organized and the girls hung on while the trusty Turbofins delivered them to their parents (who were standing on the shore wringing their hands). I wasn't too impressed with their Dad's headwork!



Second rescue:
Not too long after dropping the girls off, I ran across a row boat with a man and 3 kids that trying to get back but wasn't going anywhere. Naturally they had no bow line but I had a spare just in case. He happily accepted the help and between the two of us we got them back to the docks. His first question afterwards is where could he buy one of those Hobies?



Third rescue:
Once again I headed out to the back of the lake. By and by I came across a couple with a disabled motor. He refused any help saying he'd have it fixed shortly (just then his wind driven boat rammed a rock, knocking his wife down and almost overboard). I offered to hook them up while he fixed the motor and his wife wasted no time handing me a bow line. His was the longest tow but but the winds were mostly in our favor there. Surprisingly he never got the engine started before we arrived at the launch ramp.



The wind caught a lot of folks off guard. Four boats in one day is a record for me! I'd had enough, headed home and took a nap!

WTG RR,
Great Report! You're going to have to get yourself a set of stickers to put on your bow indicating the number of rescues. Now--what would be a logical design for a rescue sticker?? Time for a new contest?? Mebbe , ,
or .

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Thank-You
Your a good dude.
Brazos

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Roadrunner,

I've new to the site and have been admiring how generous you are with your knowledge and insight about hobies. Now, to see you're a hero as well, a tip of my hat to you, sir.

Kinoyakker.

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KINOYAKKER

Nice rescues!

Is that Hodges?

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OEX Oceanside - Authorized Hobie Dealer
Kayak Fishing Specialists

www.oexoceanside.com

Dick and Brazos, thanks for the nice comments. It's a fun and challenging change of pace, a little like hooking up a big fish (catch and release) but you don't need to buy a license or bait!

Kino, welcome to the forum. There are some heroes, but this isn't anywhere near their league -- just good exercise. Several forum members have done this -- I just happen to have the camera! Aloha Dan even rescued a dock once. BTW, we had a fun Hobie day out on the Lower Salt River last summer one day when coincidentally there was some water in it. Is that near you?

Steamroll, congratulations on your new dealership. Yes, that's Hodges where I've met some of your happy customers already!

Kino summed up how I feel.

You are a hero on here, and a large part if it is the pictures you share. I've been hanging around for the last few months and I won't lie, you are a big part of why I bought a Hobie.

I had a strong interest in the mirage drive to start with, but you and Apalach have provided most of the inspirational photos I care about. Be they Revolution vs outback reviews, old mirage drive vs new mirage drive, I know exactly what names to search in the forums.

Thank you.

Hey Dan,
A hearty welcome to the Hobie site, and greetings from the Forgotten Coast of Florida.. Thanks for the kind words. At least for me, I guess I must be text-challenged, so I'm a big believer in the old adage that a pic is worth a 1,000 words. If I can't find the pic I want, then I pull out the ole digicam and take some new ones that custom-fit the post I'm working on. I believe Roadrunner may tend to follow the same philosophy.
Best,
Dick

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Apalach taught me everything -- he has been a great role model and mentor. His innovative projects have really shown us what can be done. He even suggested what camera to get. His advise is always right on target!

He must be a lot older!

Thanks, Dick

PS -- Dick, the bill is in the mail as usual. I gave you a small deduction for that "age" dig, even though it's probably true.

RR said:


Sigh--thanks, but as usual also, you're right on the mark. As my wife now says, "getting old ain't for wimps," and I gotta agree...
Best,
Dick

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I rescued a stranded fishing boat, with a dead motor, on June Lake. The rental concessionaire couldn't believe it when I brought his people in. It was the old story...dead outboard, only one oar, too much wind.

A month later I rescued a kayaker with chest pains out of Dana Point (big wind and choppy conditiions). He was fine, and felt relieved as soon as I got him moving back into the harbor, and then safely to shore.

How's this idea....

1. For rescued power boats we "paint a propeller" on the side (actually a sticker) just like the WW II airplanes. Probably a three bladed prop so there's no confusion.

2. For rescued paddle craft (kayak, rowboat, inflatable, canoe) we put on a short handle paddle sticker.

By my reckoning, you are already an "ACE"! Congratulations!!

Regards, JimL

P.S. Man, do I like these little boats!!!

Jim, great rescues, especially the one at Dana Point! I was also enjoying your picture album and am very impressed with your many accomplishments! For anyone who missed it, take a look: http://home.earthlink.net/~leinfam/

Definitely 3 blades for motorboats and 2 for seaplanes -- you never know!