When I started paddling in the 70's we used shock-corded sprayskirts which "pucker up" when they pop off the rim and stay close to your body. These do not attach securely to modern keyhole cockpits, so other designs were developed. Modern sprayskirts have a much broader profile in the water, and can catch the current. I've always felt this also posed some snag risk, but have no idea how to eliminate it. I'm sure this accident will help increase our awareness of this potential problem. CW

The Lower Moose is one of upstate New York ’s classic runs. On November 30^, 1998 it was running 3.7 feet on the McKeever Gauge, a low level but plenty of water for hardshell boats to negotiate the rapids. While the run is Class IV-V at high spring flows, at this level it’s a technical Class III run with a few Class IV drops. Martin Parkinson, 45, was part of a group of four paddling the Lower Moose. The day was unseasonably warm, with temperatures in the 40’s.

One of the tricky elements of this run at any level is the entrance to Roostertail. The usual line requires a boater to negotiate several diagonal hydraulics extending from river left. While not particularly large or nasty, these holes can flip even experienced boaters. Some paddlers have been temporarily held in the holes or surfed into the left shore.

Parkinson encountered difficulty in these holes and exited his boat. He assumed the whitewater swim position with feet downstream and was swept down the shallow and rocky left side of the rapid. Sometime during this process, either while leaving his boat or during his swim, Parkinson broke his ankle. Nevertheless, he did not appear in any imminent danger. While it’s a long and uncomfortable swim, the remainder of Roostertail contains no known significant hazards. Boaters and commercial rafters who have experienced similar problems in the top holes have frequently swum the rapid without incident..

About fifty yards down from the large mid-river boulder at the top of the rapid, Parkinson flushed between two rocks. Before his PFD could return him to the surface, his sprayskirt snagged on a rock on the bottom of the river. The current prevented Parkinson from completely raising his head above the water. After a brief struggle he became exhausted, and slipped beneath the surface.

Realizing their friend was in trouble, the rest of the party returned upstream. They were unable to extract Parkinson or keep his head above water. After several attempts they called for help from a nearby camp. Local rescue squads responded and were on hand when a group of boaters from Rochester, NY came down the river. This second group of boaters was able to free his body.

SOURCE: by Chris Koll, Regional Coordinator, American Whitewater

ANALYSIS:

1. (Koll) Although I am active in the Central NY boating community, I did not know the victim. I therefore believe the party did not possess extensive experience in Class IV water. Nevertheless, the Lower Moose at that level would be appropriate for strong intermediates looking to improve their skills. Swims are not uncommon for groups with this level of experience, and a swim at this location has never been considered dangerous in the past. I believe that this is a case of luck gone horribly bad.

2. (Walbridge) Modern sprayskirts are much tougher than older models. They protrude from the body more, too, and can pose a significant snag hazard when swimming. Swimmers are advised to manage their sprayskirts carefully when swimming, especially in tight places, holding it close to their body.

3. (Walbridge) After consulting Jesse Whittemore at Mountain Surf in Friendsville, MD , I am convinced that even a Kevlar-reinforced sprayskirts can be cut easily. The key is to grab the skirt and cut it close to your hand, so it does not simply flex away from your blade. Trying to cut a floppy, stretchy piece of material in the water by slashing or stabbing at it won’t work, and may injure the person you are trying to help. The group may not have gotten close enough to the trapped paddler to use a knife effectively.

ANALYSIS:

1. (Koll) Although I am active in the Central NY boating community, I did not know the victim. I therefore believe the party did not possess extensive experience in Class IV water. Nevertheless, the Lower Moose at that level would be appropriate for strong intermediates looking to improve their skills. Swims are not uncommon for groups with this level of experience, and a swim at this location has never been considered dangerous in the past. I believe that this is a case of luck gone horribly bad.

2. (Walbridge) Modern sprayskirts are much tougher than older models. They protrude from the body more, too, and can pose a significant snag hazard when swimming. Swimmers are advised to manage their sprayskirts carefully when swimming, especially in tight places, holding it close to their body.

3. (Walbridge) After consulting Jesse Whittemore at Mountain Surf in Friendsville, MD , I am convinced that even a Kevlar-reinforced sprayskirts can be cut easily. The key is to grab the skirt and cut it close to your hand, so it does not simply flex away from your blade. Trying to cut a floppy, stretchy piece of material in the water by slashing or stabbing at it won’t work, and may injure the person you are trying to help. The group may not have gotten close enough to the trapped paddler to use a knife effectively.