Sad Losses to the Paddling Community

Among the sad passings of so many due to COVID-19, we lost two great paddlers this year, as well.

Peter Hornbeck, Adirondack light canoe builder to the world.

Legendary boatbuilder Peter Hornbeck unexpectedly passed away in late December, 2020, from a heart attack after taking a walk in the woods with his family. Hornbeck was the designer and builder and owner of Hornbeck Boats, Inc., in Olmsteadville, N.Y. Tamsin wrote about Peter and his boats in the October, 1995 issue of ACK:

On a lovely Saturday afternoon in August, we arrived in the small town of Minvera, N.Y., took a left turn down a meandering road called Trout Brook and arrived at Hornbeck Boats in Olmstedville. The parking lot in the field was jammed with cars, many with roof racks. One couple was loading a new boat onto their car. We were in the right place.
Welcome to Hornbeck Boats, a simple building with a showroom and office where owner Peter Hornbeck holds forth, a workshop, a few storage sheds, a pond with demo boats lined up just a short walk from the main house. One can easily spend an afternoon testing the various designs of these wonderful lightweight pack canoes.
We had just spent a week paddling the many ponds, creeks, streams, and lakes that make the Adirondacks just a perfect spot for paddling. But, after six days of dragging our 17-foot sea kayaks down launch ramps and pulling them across portages to make it into the next pond, we considered what many others were also doing — getting a pack canoe paddled with a double blade — easy just to pick up and take to the next pond.
For years Hornbeck made the classic Hornbeck, an eight- to 14-foot double-blade canoe, with a wide stable beam, and freeboard in a low, mid, and high profiles.
After trying several models, we decided on the slimmer New Tricks 12-foot-mid weighing a mere 18 pounds and the 11-foot-mid New Tricks mid weighing 14 pounds. The mid was a setup that would keep my elbows clear of the gunwale and have sufficient freeboard for a windy marsh bay, which is where I paddle most.
Also key was a boat that would allow Millie the dog to sit comfortably in the bow without having to stay put in a rear cockpit or seated between our legs. She loved all the space. Happy dog.

Despite the sad passing of its founder, Hornbeck Boats is still going strong. The ice is out of the demo pond, and you can make an appointment to demo the boats (necessary because of COVID-19) by visiting its website at https://www.hornbeckboats.com/.

Aleksander Doba, the Polish adventurer, familiar to ACK readers and the world as the only person to kayak across the Atlantic Ocean three times, the last at age 70 in 2017, died this past winter, February 22, after summiting Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. A former whitewater champion, Mr. Doba had made several very long journeys, including one from his native Poland to Norway, before his first epic crossing at the age of 64. His plan was to complete three crossings of the Atlantic, southerly, mid, and northerly. He completed the last crossing, west to east, in 2017 at the age of 70. We include the item we wrote about his final crossing.

Aleksander Doba, the naked paddler, has crossed the bar at last.

Only one person had ever crossed the Atlantic in a kayak using solely muscle power, and he traveled island to island, from Newfoundland to Ireland. The goal of Polish extreme kayaker Aleksander Doba was to go continent to continent between the mainlands, from Senegal to Brazil, unsupported.
His skin broke out in salt-induced rashes, including blisters in his armpits and groin. His eyes blew up with conjunctivitis. His fingernails and toenails just about peeled off. His clothes, permeated with salt, refused to dry. The fabric smelled horrendous and aggravated his skin, so he abandoned clothes, according to Elizabeth Weil writing in the New York Times (Mar. 22).
From Expedition News April 2018 www.expeditionnews.com

Eruç plans to row from San Francisco to Hong Kong, tagging ghost nets along the way.

North America to Asia Row Will Tag Ghost Nets

Turkish-American adventurer Erden Eruç, 59, intends to row across the Pacific Ocean mainland to mainland from North America to Asia. Weather allowing, his journey will begin on Earth Day, April 22, 2021, from San Francisco. His destination will preferably be Hong Kong by March 2022.

"Pulling into Hong Kong will be very difficult with the currents and northeast winds. A visa will allow me to make landfall on mainland China if I miss Hong Kong," he tells EN, not sure yet how Covid-19 restrictions will affect his plans.

Eruç is a renowned ocean rower with 14 Guinness World Records to his name. He completed the first solo circumnavigation by human power between 2007 and 2012. He is also the first person to have rowed the three major oceans.

In partnership with Ocean Recovery Alliance, Eruç will raise awareness about plastics in the oceans. He will also bring along beacons to tag any ghost nets that he may encounter for later collection. Other projects are being sought so the rowboat can serve as a manned buoy for scientists in need of data and observations.

Eruç is the founder and president of the 501(c)(3) nonprofit Around-n-Over (www.around-n-over.org) dedicated to educating and inspiring people using human powered journeys. He creates teachable moments using his online blog, in person appearances and media opportunities.

The project is seeking a minimum of $125,000. Donations are being sought through his GoFundMe campaign: tinyurl.com/eruc2022.

For more information: www.erdeneruc.com. From Expedition News, March 2021.

Maine Woman Rescues Goat.

12/29/2020 BELFAST, MAINE — Belfast resident Jerri Holmes noticed three policemen in her yard, never a good sign, but realized that they were looking out over the cold, windy waters of the bay. Following their gaze, she saw they were staring at a goat struggling in the frigid water.

Seeing that the shore-bound cops were helpless, she grabbed her PFD, some rubber gloves, and some more clothes, and leaped into her kayak, conveniently stashed on the edge of the water. Although the wind had raised whitecaps on the bay, she paddled bravely towards the animal.

Unfortunately, the goat was having none of it. It had escaped from a local vet, and had no intention of relinquishing its bid for freedom. As Holmes tried to herd it towards shore, it kept swimming away from her.

And then, as she tried to tie a rope around its horn with both hands, her paddle blew away in the gale. She had to continue her rescue effort by paddling with her hands.

She managed at last to herd the animal closer to shore. The tide was on the ebb, and the goat finally was able to touch bottom. Holmes grabbed its horn and held on for dear life until a Good Samaritan took the shivering beast back to dry land.

No harm was done to the goat, but Holmes ended up with a mild strain in her shoulder from trying to grab the goat's horns. There was no news on the fate of her paddle.

Reported by Dustin Wlodkowski for NECN local news.

Coast Guard, Locals Search For Missing Kayaker Near Freshwater Bay, Wash.

PORT ANGELES, Wash. — The Coast Guard and local authorities were searching near Freshwater Bay, for a missing kayaker who failed to return Wednesday night from his planned trip from Freshwater Bay to Ediz Hook.

Missing was Matthew Hamilton, 31. He was reported to be wearing a black and white jacket, blue jeans and boots. He was not wearing a life jacket.

Hamilton began his trip at about 7 p.m. Monday to kayak from Freshwater Bay County Park to Ediz Hook, where his father was planning to pick him up from what was expected to be a three-hour trip. It was reported that Hamilton kayaked this route often and was familiar with the area.

When Hamilton didn't arrive as expected, Hamilton's father notified local police, who relayed the situation to watchstanders at Coast Guard Puget Sound at about 2:40 a.m.

A Coast Guard Air Station Port Angeles MH-65 Dolphin rescue helicopter crew and a 45-foot Response Boat - Medium crew from Coast Guard Station Port Angeles launched to search for Hamilton. Responders from Elwha Police Department also deployed a full rescue team.

Clallam County officials conducted cell phone forensics on Hamilton's phone and received two pings in the vicinity of lower Elwah River. Members of Hamilton's family drove to the area, where they discovered Hamilton's green kayak, his bag clipped to his kayak and his cell phone. There was no sign of Hamilton or his paddle. His family confirmed that Hamilton's vehicle was parked at the Freshwater Bay boat ramp.

Coast Guard, Partners Urge Paddle Craft Labeling, Owner Responsibility.

SEATTLE — The Coast Guard and its Washington and Oregon boating safety agency partners urge the labeling of paddle craft and owner responsibility on the waters of the Pacific Northwest.

Reports of unmanned and adrift paddle craft divert federal, state and local response boat and air crews on hundreds of dangerous and costly searches that turn out to be false alarms. Since 2016, 13th Coast Guard District aircraft and vessels have launched on 746 individual cases of vessel reported capsized and adrift.

All were unmanned and adrift, not resulting in an actual distress. Each case represents a minimum cost of approximately $40,000 to the taxpayers to respond and conduct searches for possible persons in the water. For the 13th District, this accounts for an operational cost of approximately $29,840,000.00.

The Coast Guard treats every distress call and report of an unmanned paddle craft as if a real life is at stake.

"Unmanned adrift vessel search and rescue responses are the No. 4 response activity in the Coast Guard nationwide," said Dan Shipman, recreational boating program specialist for the 13th District. "By properly securing your small craft, on the beach, dock or your vessel from being set adrift, you're not only saving taxpayers' dollars, you are helping protect your property, the environment, and possibly the life of someone who is actually in need of assistance."

The Coast Guard urges the public to do the following three things:

Help us help you find your kayak. Mark it! Take responsibility for your paddle craft by labeling with an "If Found" sticker. This label allows responders to confirm if someone is actually in trouble and collect information to help search efforts.

Take responsibility for recovering your paddle craft. Unmanned and adrift kayaks, canoes, dinghies and rowboats often cause hazards to navigation in the waterway and increase the level of risk and fatigue on response crews tasked to find the owners associated with the unmanned paddle craft.

Do your part to prevent false alarms. First responders deployed in search of unmanned paddle craft divert resources away from actual lives in distress.

For more information on paddle craft labeling, contact your local Coast Guard Auxiliary. To get free "If Found" stickers to help label your paddle craft, contact your local harbormasters, the Coast Guard Auxiliary, and select marine retail and supply stores.

Coast Guard Personnel In North Carolina Search For Missing Kayaker.

12/07/2020 WILMINGTON N.C. — The Coast Guard was searching for a 26-year-old man who left Manns Harbor on a kayak fishing trip Saturday evening.

Watchstanders from Coast Guard Sector North Carolina Command Center received a notification from Dare County emergency dispatcher at approximately 10:30 p.m. on Sunday after the man's wife made a 911 report. The last contact with the missing man was at 10 p.m. Saturday.

Watchstanders issued an urgent marine information broadcast and launched a Coast Guard Station Oregon Inlet 24-foot Shallow Water Response Craft boat crew and a MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew from Air Station Elizabeth City. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission and Manns Harbor Volunteer Fire Department also completed searches Sunday night.

The search continued Monday with crews from Station Oregon Inlet and Air Station Elizabeth City, and multiple crews from North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission and North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries.

At approximately 12:15 p.m. Monday, a yellow kayak matching the description of the report was discovered overturned near Roanoke Island. A member of the missing man's family confirmed it was the kayak he had departed in.

UPDATE: Coast Guard Suspends Search For Missing Kayaker.

WILMINGTON, N.C. — The Coast Guard suspended the search Monday for a man who left Manns Harbor on a kayak fishing trip Saturday evening.

Missing is Alexander Rush, 26. He was last heard from at approximately 10 p.m. Saturday night. An overturned kayak of the same make, model and color was found in the vicinity of Roanoke Island Monday morning and confirmed as his by a member of his family.

"This time of year is especially dangerous for mariners in North Carolina due to colder water temperatures," said Captain Matt Baer, Commander, Sector North Carolina. "Based on a variety of factors, we've come to the tough decision to suspend the search for Mr. Rush. We offer our deepest condolences to his family and friends during this incredibly difficult time."

The Coast Guard, along with local agencies, began searching for the mariner Sunday evening after watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector North Carolina Command Center received a notification from Dare County emergency dispatcher. This notification came at approximately 10:30 p.m. on Sunday after the missing man's wife made a 911 report.

"The approximate water temperature right now is 60 degrees Fahrenheit, which a person cannot survive long in," said Baer. "I urge anyone heading out on the water during this time of year to know the environmental conditions, and make sure you have appropriate cold water gear and a personal flotation device."

Coast Guard crews searched approximately 425 square miles with multiple assets from Air Station Elizabeth City and Station Oregon Inlet. Crews from North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries and the Manns Harbor Volunteer Fire Department also participated in the search.

Coast Guard Assists Kayaker Near Key West.

12-08-2020 MIAMI — The Coast Guard assisted a man Monday who was being pushed out to sea in his kayak near Key West.

A Coast Guard Station Key West 33-foot Special Purpose Craft-Law Enforcement crew found the distressed kayaker in good health, but struggling to paddle his kayak and the one he was towing, which was full of food.

At the kayaker's request, the boat crew brought the man closer to Wisteria Island, and put him and his kayaks back in the water to finish his trip in safer water.

A Key West Police Department (KWPD) officer alerted Sector Key West watchstanders at approximately 6 p.m. of a kayaker in distress near Mallory Square.

No injuries were reported.

"We remind mariners to check the weather before going out on the water," said Petty Officer 2nd Class Harlan Kendrick, coxswain at Station Key West. "And make sure they have the proper safety equipment."

Before you leave the dock, review these boating safety tips:

Always wear a life jacket. The Coast Guard advises all paddlers to wear a life jacket (Type I, II, III or Type V personal flotation device). Donning a life jacket is much harder once you're in the water, especially if you're injured.

Don't drink and paddle. Alcohol can cause an inner ear disturbance that can make it impossible for a person who falls into the water to distinguish up from down; similar to why you cannot walk in a straight line on land.

Have a float plan. A float plan is telling someone where you are going and when you will be back. Emergency responders need this valuable information in order to search for distressed paddlers. The Coast Guard mobile app allows you to complete an electronic float plan and send it to a friend or family member.

Have a marine radio. A VHF-FM radio set to channel 16 is the best method of communication while on the water. Although cell phones are a good backup, they can be unreliable due to gaps in coverage area or a dead battery.

Check the weather. Avoid weather or water conditions beyond your skill level. Check the weather for storms, tides, currents and winds. Environmental conditions can change quickly.

Have an EPIRB or PLB. Always go out with an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon or Personal Locator Beacon. These devices are designed to transmit a distress signal to emergency responders through a satellite system.

Label your Watercraft. Typically, adrift paddle crafts sightings result in coordinated search and rescue missions within the local vicinity. Placing an "if found, please call" sticker on your paddle craft can not only get your craft returned to you quickly should it accidentally drift away, but it can also help rescuers to determine the type of response needed.

Share the Waterways. Learn and observe navigation rules. Stay out of paths of ships, water taxis, towboats, tugs and barges. A captain's blind spot can extend for hundreds of feet, and their speed can be deceptive.

Plan for emergencies. Learn how to self-rescue in the event of capsize. Only take on challenges for which you are physically and mentally prepared.

Body of Overdue Kayaker Recovered Near Hampton Bays, N.Y.

12-08-2020 NEW YORK — The body of Raistlin Ruther, 18, was recovered near Shinnecock Canal, N.Y., Saturday evening.

Coast Guard Sector Long Island Sound personnel received a report from the Riverhead Police Department at 4:50 p.m. on Saturday that Ruther departed Jamesport, N.Y., at 8 a.m. Saturday in a blue kayak and did not return.

Coast Guard Station Shinnecock boatcrews and a Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod helicopter crew searched the area, along with Suffolk County Police, Southold Police and other local partner agencies.

A Southold Police Department marine unit located Ruther's body one mile west of Shinnecock Canal, N.Y., just before 9 p.m. He was taken to the Suffolk County Medical Examiner's Office in Hauppauge, N.Y. Detectives are investigating the incident.

"We offer our deepest sympathies to Raistlin's family and friends during this unimaginable time," said Capt. Eva Van Camp, commander of Coast Guard Sector Long Island Sound. "The Coast Guard and our partner agencies who participated in this search truly hoped for a different outcome to this tragic situation."

Coast Guard Searching For Missing Kayaker Near Destin, Fla.

02-13-2021 NEW ORLEANS — The Coast Guard and partner agencies searched for an overdue kayaker Saturday in Destin, Florida.

Missing is David Schink, 61, last seen wearing shorts, t-shirt, and a black and red life jacket. Schink reportedly does not have a cell phone.

Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Mobile received a notification at approximately 7:40 p.m. from the family of David Schink. He departed Norriego Point in a blue and green kayak at around 2:30 p.m. and did not return. He was expected to return to the Poolside Villas around sunset.

The watchstanders issued an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast and directed the launch of search and rescue assets.

Involved in the search are:
    ● Coast Guard Station Destin 45-foot Response Boat-medium boatcrew
    ● Coast Guard Air Station New Orleans MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew
    ● Coast Guard Aviation Training Center Mobile HC-144A Ocean Sentry aircrew
    ● Coast Guard Cutter Albacore
    ● Coast Guard Auxiliary Vessel
    ● Okaloosa County Sheriff's Department
    ● Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission

UPDATE: Coast Guard Suspends Search For Missing Kayaker Near Destin, Fla.

02-15-2021 NEW ORLEANS — The Coast Guard suspended its search for overdue kayaker David Schink Monday near Destin, Florida.

Missing is , 61, last seen wearing shorts, t-shirt, and a black and red life jacket. Schink reportedly does not have a cell phone.

"The decision to suspend a search-and-rescue case is never one we come to lightly," said Lt. Cmdr. Kate Sullivan, search and rescue mission coordinator for Sector Mobile. "We offer our deepest sympathies to the family of Mr. Schink in this difficult time."

Rescue crews searched more than 9,160 square nautical miles continuously for a total of 49 hours.