BajaNomad

Elderly American Kayaking couple lost at sea in San Felipe

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EnsenadaDr - 4-9-2012 at 09:18 AM

From today's edition of Ensenada.net

http://ensenada.net/noticias/nota.php?id=24129

An American couple that left their house last Thursday in El Dorado Ranch in San Felipe were reported missing last Saturday afternoon in the Delegation of Puerticitos, more than 150 kilometers south of San Felipe and more than 300 Kilometers southeast of the city of Ensenada.

According to the initial reports of the Secretary of the Public Municipal Security at 5:30 in the evening, he reoorted in Puertocitos delegation that there had been their deserted vehicle in the tourist camp Huerfanito (little Orphan) at the 103 kilometer marker on the Puertecitos Chapala highway.

The vehicle had been the property of the American couple who had taken 2 kayaks, one lime colored and one yellow, and were presumed to have gone kayaking in the ocean from that point on Thursday.

Those in charge of the camp say that the couple had not returned on Saturday afternoon and reported the incident to the Municipal, State and Marine authorities who then implemented an air, sea and land search which included the local islands where they possibly could have been stranded.

The missing American couple is Franck Weeler 78 years old, and his wife Bobby Weeler, 60 years old.

Both were residents of Dorado Ranch in San Felipe in the San Felipe Municipality of Mexicali and had left their vehicle since Thursday, a Phaeton WV with Arizona plates which had been found in the fishing camp.

DENNIS - 4-9-2012 at 09:59 AM

Not good. The weather over there can turn lethal in an instant. Hope for the best.

sancho - 4-9-2012 at 10:16 AM

I remember reading the weather in San Felipe last
Sat. it was white caps early. Kayakers get in trouble
aff BofLA often. I kayak, it is hard/impossible to
paddle against a wind of any measure. Hopefully they beached somewhere
and are making there way back

sd - 4-9-2012 at 04:48 PM

Wishing for their safe return. They chose GREAT colors for their kayaks. I boat often, and am surprised how many choose dark colors, very difficult to see even on nice days.

BajaBlanca - 4-9-2012 at 05:43 PM

hope they are found soon ....

dizzyspots - 4-9-2012 at 07:12 PM

bump

DENNIS - 4-9-2012 at 07:28 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by dizzyspots
bump


Thanks for the bump.
Are any of you SF folks getting any news on this?

dizzyspots - 4-10-2012 at 05:49 AM

again...any news?

woody with a view - 4-10-2012 at 06:01 AM

the campo waiting 2 days to notify authorities, who couldn't search until the following day.

let someone know where you're going and when you plan to return.

meme - 4-10-2012 at 07:04 AM

As of last nite (monday) they had not yet been heard from or located.
I believe the first authorities were notified on Friday morning, when they did not return on Thursday evening as expected. They are neighbors of friends of ours.

DianaT - 4-10-2012 at 08:53 AM

Does not sound good----still hoping, however.

mcfez - 4-10-2012 at 11:16 AM

Huerfanito is VERY bad for wind. I say that they launched off the private ramp there to reach the rock. Once at that rock in a Kayak....one should pray that the winds don't come up......it be VERY hard to reach shore.

I suggest anyone Kayaking in the Sea of Cortez...stay within a few hundred feet of that shoreline. Winds will accelerate from 0 to 30 in a few minutes time. That happened in San Felipe on the evening of the 8th at night...I was sleeping outside. Wow.....:-(

BajaBlanca - 4-10-2012 at 01:15 PM

bump

dizzyspots - 4-10-2012 at 03:11 PM

ALWAYS ALWAYS leave a float plan...road plan with someone....SPOT messenger as well we used the road trip plan on our 1st trip to Baja...now I insist on it from the kids on EVERY trip...even stateside....Vehicle description incl license plate probable route of travel...destination...departure
All this info makes it WAY easier for emergency services to find you...much better than say..." they went to california in their Jeep"

God bless the kayakers and their families and may God see them safely home

Mike

meme - 4-10-2012 at 05:30 PM

These people were found today both drowned. Sad story for sure.

DENNIS - 4-10-2012 at 05:38 PM

I am so sorry. Absolutely tragic.

DianaT - 4-10-2012 at 05:40 PM

Dang, sorry it ended this way. Very, very sad. :(

woody with a view - 4-10-2012 at 05:45 PM

:saint:

Pompano - 4-10-2012 at 05:54 PM

My God, what horrible news. The worst possible.

My sincere sympathies and condolences to thier family and friends.

Udo - 4-10-2012 at 05:55 PM

Very sad indeed, and we are also a kayaking family.

We always let someone know where we are going, take life jackets, SPOT, EPIRB, VHF, and flares kit. I know we are in a Hobie Island with outriggers, but safety is not an option.
My wife and I are extremely experienced sea-fearing people, and are overly cautious.
We have sailed the world (literally) inclusive of 5 continents.

desertcpl - 4-10-2012 at 07:17 PM

RIP,, so sad news

Found in San Luis Gonzaga Poblado

EnsenadaDr - 4-10-2012 at 08:23 PM

According to Maggie's Madness, the article that was published in El Vigia this afternoon reported that the body of a male, most likely Frank Wheeler, was found in San Luis Gonzaga Poblado. From what I located on the satellite map it looks like a bay about 75 miles south of San Felipe. El Vigia states there will be more on the story in the morning edition. Below is the link to the location. Any of you know if a chubasco would have most likely blown the kayak in this direction?

http://www.dices.net/mapas/mexico/mapa.php?nombre=Bahia-San-...

woody with a view - 4-10-2012 at 08:29 PM

75 miles of drift for a body that is low to the water and doesn't act like a sail in the wind is not probable. gonzaga is probably a large area, not just the bay proper, but still, 75 miles????

Unfortunately

MrBillM - 4-10-2012 at 08:30 PM

It WAS the expected outcome.

Disappearance under those conditions and location wasn't likely to turn out any differently.

Another (unneeded) reminder that the Sea can be VERY unforgiving.

As we are ALL aware, but through complacency and good fortune often forget, the Sea of Cortez is extremely unpredictable. A good day can go bad in relatively few minutes.

rts551 - 4-10-2012 at 08:52 PM

How sad.

Guys, read more carefully
>According to the initial reports of the Secretary of the Public Municipal Security at 5:30 in the evening, he reoorted in Puertocitos delegation that there had been their deserted vehicle in the tourist camp Huerfanito (little Orphan) at the 103 kilometer marker on the Puertecitos Chapala highway."

They did not drift for 75 miles.

Bob H - 4-10-2012 at 09:09 PM

Wow, what a sad story. May they RIP! And, anyone who kayaks can learn some lessons here.

Via con Dos, Amigos

Gypsy Jan - 4-10-2012 at 09:16 PM

I am so sorry for the loss to the family.

From KM 103 to San Luis Gonzaga Poblado

EnsenadaDr - 4-10-2012 at 10:07 PM

How far is that distance by sea in a kayak? I am not out that way so I have no idea...
Quote:
Originally posted by rts551
How sad.

Guys, read more carefully
>According to the initial reports of the Secretary of the Public Municipal Security at 5:30 in the evening, he reoorted in Puertocitos delegation that there had been their deserted vehicle in the tourist camp Huerfanito (little Orphan) at the 103 kilometer marker on the Puertecitos Chapala highway."

They did not drift for 75 miles.


[Edited on 4-11-2012 by EnsenadaDr]

BajaNomad - 4-11-2012 at 12:28 AM

http://tinyurl.com/7brh8vl

[Edited on 4-11-2012 by BajaNomad]

David K - 4-11-2012 at 01:11 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by EnsenadaDr
How far is that distance by sea in a kayak? I am not out that way so I have no idea...
Quote:
Originally posted by rts551
How sad.

Guys, read more carefully
>According to the initial reports of the Secretary of the Public Municipal Security at 5:30 in the evening, he reoorted in Puertocitos delegation that there had been their deserted vehicle in the tourist camp Huerfanito (little Orphan) at the 103 kilometer marker on the Puertecitos Chapala highway."

They did not drift for 75 miles.


[Edited on 4-11-2012 by EnsenadaDr]


About 25 miles... but there is no 'town' at Gonzaga...

David K - 4-11-2012 at 01:16 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by woody with a view
75 miles of drift for a body that is low to the water and doesn't act like a sail in the wind is not probable. gonzaga is probably a large area, not just the bay proper, but still, 75 miles????


She was saying the distance to Gonzaga from San Felipe looked like 75 miles on satellite map... nothing was said the body drifted that far.

It was clear that they entered the water at El Huerfanito, which is closer to 70 road miles from San Felipe... and 25 road miles north of Gonzaga Bay.

woody with a view - 4-11-2012 at 05:38 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by EnsenadaDr
the body of a male, most likely Frank Wheeler, was found in San Luis Gonzaga Poblado. From what I located on the satellite map it looks like a bay about 75 miles south of San Felipe.



yeah, i guess i read it wrong?:rolleyes:

windgrrl - 4-11-2012 at 06:49 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by EnsenadaDr
Any of you know if a chubasco would have most likely blown the kayak in this direction?


This page has a search function for local weather history:

http://www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/findweather/getForecast?...

With condolences to the family,
w

Thank you for the clarification

EnsenadaDr - 4-11-2012 at 08:07 AM

OK, that explains it...they entered the water 50 miles south of San Felipe, so the location they found was 25 miles south of that, that would explain it.
Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Quote:
Originally posted by woody with a view
75 miles of drift for a body that is low to the water and doesn't act like a sail in the wind is not probable. gonzaga is probably a large area, not just the bay proper, but still, 75 miles????


She was saying the distance to Gonzaga from San Felipe looked like 75 miles on satellite map... nothing was said the body drifted that far.

It was clear that they entered the water at El Huerfanito, which is closer to 70 road miles from San Felipe... and 25 road miles north of Gonzaga Bay.

wilderone - 4-11-2012 at 08:33 AM

Launched from the Huerfanito beach once in the morning - within an hour the swells got pretty big. We went out further thinking it would be a bit flatter, but the swells were bigger, yet wider. So we decided to come in since conditions were only worsening. The swells got higher - maybe 10 feet and started breaking - while we paralleled the coast looking for a beach we could land on. Me and another person capsized. We did self-rescues with some assistance, got going in the right direction, and then pumped out enough water to become maneuverable to make a white water landing. Waiting between waves, one by one we landed in 1-2 ft. surf. The huge swells were pretty scary, and the coast looked so far away. We needed all the skills we could muster during the 3 hours we were out before deciding to come in, and couldn't let up on the paddling because the swells wanted to push you in a different direction. It help tremendously that I was with other kayakers more experienced who told fme how to handle the conditions. I totally understand how someone would get in trouble out there; and if you weren't wearing a life preserver .....

woody with a view - 4-11-2012 at 08:37 AM

yes, the ocean is an unforgiving muttha! you also have to wonder why someone in their late 70's is putting themselves in that situation..... i imagine that they weren't triathalon competitors so just how far were they planning to paddle that day.

too bad....

Bajame - 4-11-2012 at 08:46 AM

So sorry to hear the news, my love and prayers go out to the family.
Spent one Christmas day out in the bay near playa burro and the wind came up so quick that it pushed my kayak into a large rock and it flipped. It happened so fast it took a few seconds to realize that I was under water, by that time my lungs were full and I was choking. Thank God there was someone going by and they thought I was snorkeling but decided to come back and check, they pulled me and the kayak to the island and someone came and took us back to shore. After coughing up blood for awhile I realized what a close call that was and it really scared me. Stay smart don't take things for granted out there!

David K - 4-11-2012 at 09:41 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by EnsenadaDr
OK, that explains it...they entered the water 50 miles south of San Felipe, so the location they found was 25 miles south of that, that would explain it.
Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Quote:
Originally posted by woody with a view
75 miles of drift for a body that is low to the water and doesn't act like a sail in the wind is not probable. gonzaga is probably a large area, not just the bay proper, but still, 75 miles????


She was saying the distance to Gonzaga from San Felipe looked like 75 miles on satellite map... nothing was said the body drifted that far.

It was clear that they entered the water at El Huerfanito, which is closer to 70 road miles from San Felipe... and 25 road miles north of Gonzaga Bay.



Please re-read my reply! ;D

Very good, David..

EnsenadaDr - 4-11-2012 at 10:04 AM

It could have been that the person had traveled in the Kayak that far and then suddenly capsized, sadly, we'll never know...
Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Quote:
Originally posted by EnsenadaDr
OK, that explains it...they entered the water 50 miles south of San Felipe, so the location they found was 25 miles south of that, that would explain it.
Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Quote:
Originally posted by woody with a view
75 miles of drift for a body that is low to the water and doesn't act like a sail in the wind is not probable. gonzaga is probably a large area, not just the bay proper, but still, 75 miles????


She was saying the distance to Gonzaga from San Felipe looked like 75 miles on satellite map... nothing was said the body drifted that far.

It was clear that they entered the water at El Huerfanito, which is closer to 70 road miles from San Felipe... and 25 road miles north of Gonzaga Bay.



Please re-read my reply! ;D

bacquito - 4-11-2012 at 03:01 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by wilderone
Launched from the Huerfanito beach once in the morning - within an hour the swells got pretty big. We went out further thinking it would be a bit flatter, but the swells were bigger, yet wider. So we decided to come in since conditions were only worsening. The swells got higher - maybe 10 feet and started breaking - while we paralleled the coast looking for a beach we could land on. Me and another person capsized. We did self-rescues with some assistance, got going in the right direction, and then pumped out enough water to become maneuverable to make a white water landing. Waiting between waves, one by one we landed in 1-2 ft. surf. The huge swells were pretty scary, and the coast looked so far away. We needed all the skills we could muster during the 3 hours we were out before deciding to come in, and couldn't let up on the paddling because the swells wanted to push you in a different direction. It help tremendously that I was with other kayakers more experienced who told fme how to handle the conditions. I totally understand how someone would get in trouble out there; and if you weren't wearing a life preserver .....


WOW, pretty interesting, glad you were with others!

BajaNomad - 4-11-2012 at 07:21 PM

http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/apr/11/body-missing-kaya...

EnsenadaDr - 4-11-2012 at 07:41 PM

Very sad ending...wonder if it was a chubasco...

Hook - 4-11-2012 at 07:47 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by EnsenadaDr
Very sad ending...wonder if it was a chubasco...


In early April? EDIT: Very UN-likely. The accepted definition of a chubasco is a thunderstorm.

[Edited on 4-12-2012 by Hook]

[Edited on 4-12-2012 by Hook]

woody with a view - 4-11-2012 at 08:03 PM

whatever the cause, the guy was almost 80 years old. how would he protect his wife in an emergency if things went bad? what was their plan? doesn't anyone in the campo know them and have any insight?

just seems like such a waste. they either decided to go out like that or they were fools. either way, the result is the same. sad, but Darwin understood.....

Agreed, Woody..

EnsenadaDr - 4-11-2012 at 09:06 PM

I think a situation like this could make people more aware of what not to do...I would like to hear something from people who knew them or have heard more details..evidently the guy wasn't wearing a life vest, either...
Quote:
Originally posted by woody with a view
whatever the cause, the guy was almost 80 years old. how would he protect his wife in an emergency if things went bad? what was their plan? doesn't anyone in the campo know them and have any insight?

just seems like such a waste. they either decided to go out like that or they were fools. either way, the result is the same. sad, but Darwin understood.....

What's that they say ?

MrBillM - 4-11-2012 at 09:31 PM

You've got to accentuate the positive. Eliminate the negative
And latch on to the affirmative......... ?

"They Died doing what they loved" ?

I never thought that sounded like such a great consolation, but it seems to be a Bromide (too) often proffered in cases of Death at Adventure.

On the other hand, Given how many that old (or even younger) I've seen wasting away towards an ignoble end in "Care" facilities, maybe it's appropriate.

meme - 4-12-2012 at 08:12 AM

They were friends & neighbors of friends of ours. They left in the morning for a day of Kayaking south of SF. Expecting to return that evening (Thursday) as they also had dogs to care for at home.Our friend offered to look after the dogs but the Wheelers assured them they would be home later in the day.
I did not hear nor did I read anything about him not wearing a life vest?
This is a tragic thing & accidents do happen--not always any explanation for the circumstances when no one else is there at the time. So not too likly anyone will know EXACTLY what took place.

sancho - 4-12-2012 at 11:20 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by EnsenadaDr
evidently the guy wasn't wearing a life vest, either...[quote





Good point, and I don't care how Old he was, that is Not
a situation one would want to find oneself in, whether
he was doing something he loved or not. I've been
in a tent just so. of Puerticitos at 3 am the wind blowing
40 mph out to the Cortez , flattening the tent, I even
turned the truck into the wind

DENNIS - 4-12-2012 at 01:32 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by meme
Posted on the tenth.

These people were found today both drowned. Sad story for sure.


This story, written on the eleventh, also in Doug's link above, says they're still searching for the woman. It also gives the man's age as 70 rather than 78.
Does anybody in the media know what's going on out there?

http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/apr/11/body-missing-kaya...


.

[Edited on 4-12-2012 by DENNIS]

EnsenadaDr - 4-12-2012 at 03:01 PM

Don't think they found the woman, Dennis. And the guys age in three of the articles I have read was 78. We all know that if YOU were out in that kayak, you would have returned back safely to San Felipe beating your chest like King Kong in your tarzan outfit...what a man!!!
Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS
Quote:
Originally posted by meme
Posted on the tenth.

These people were found today both drowned. Sad story for sure.


This story, written on the eleventh, also in Doug's link above, says they're still searching for the woman. It also gives the man's age as 70 rather than 78.
Does anybody in the media know what's going on out there?

http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/apr/11/body-missing-kaya...


.

[Edited on 4-12-2012 by DENNIS]

DENNIS - 4-12-2012 at 03:19 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by EnsenadaDr
We all know that if YOU were out in that kayak, you would have returned back safely to San Felipe beating your chest like King Kong in your tarzan outfit...what a man!!!


Yeah....you betcha. In fact, I wouldn't need no stinkin' Kayak. I'd have walked. :lol:

mtgoat666 - 4-12-2012 at 03:52 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by woody with a view
whatever the cause, the guy was almost 80 years old. how would he protect his wife in an emergency if things went bad? what was their plan? doesn't anyone in the campo know them and have any insight?

just seems like such a waste. they either decided to go out like that or they were fools. either way, the result is the same. sad, but Darwin understood.....


the news article said he was 70. i know a few 70 year olds who can kick a$$ in endurance sports. 70 is not too old for serious kayaking.

that said, i don't know particulars about this guy, but don't be so quick to say a 70- or 80 year old can't do physically demanding sports.

i plan to kick most 40-yo a$$e$ when i hit 75 yo!

Barry A. - 4-12-2012 at 03:55 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by mtgoat666
Quote:
Originally posted by woody with a view
whatever the cause, the guy was almost 80 years old. how would he protect his wife in an emergency if things went bad? what was their plan? doesn't anyone in the campo know them and have any insight?

just seems like such a waste. they either decided to go out like that or they were fools. either way, the result is the same. sad, but Darwin understood.....


the news article said he was 70. i know a few 70 year olds who can kick a$$ in endurance sports. 70 is not too old for serious kayaking.

that said, i don't know particulars about this guy, but don't be so quick to say a 70- or 80 year old can't do physically demanding sports.

i plan to kick most 40-yo a$$e$ when i hit 75 yo!


I am 74--------------been active all my life in the outdoors, and can testify that you may have to change those "plans", Goat. I certainly hope that you won't, but have a contingency plan or 2, just in case. :lol:

Barry

DENNIS - 4-12-2012 at 04:01 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by mtgoat666
i plan to kick most 40-yo a$$e$ when i hit 75 yo!


We can only hope you try. :lol:

mtgoat666 - 4-12-2012 at 04:03 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Barry A.
Quote:
Originally posted by mtgoat666
Quote:
Originally posted by woody with a view
whatever the cause, the guy was almost 80 years old. how would he protect his wife in an emergency if things went bad? what was their plan? doesn't anyone in the campo know them and have any insight?

just seems like such a waste. they either decided to go out like that or they were fools. either way, the result is the same. sad, but Darwin understood.....


the news article said he was 70. i know a few 70 year olds who can kick a$$ in endurance sports. 70 is not too old for serious kayaking.

that said, i don't know particulars about this guy, but don't be so quick to say a 70- or 80 year old can't do physically demanding sports.

i plan to kick most 40-yo a$$e$ when i hit 75 yo!


I am 74--------------been active all my life in the outdoors, and can testify that you may have to change those "plans", Goat. I certainly hope that you won't, but have a contingency plan or 2, just in case. :lol:

Barry


if fred beckey can keep going at age 88, so can i :bounce::bounce:

durrelllrobert - 4-12-2012 at 04:35 PM

SDUT says:
The Mexican navy on Wednesday continued its search in an area south of Puertecitos for his wife Barbara Wheeler, said Felipe de Jesús Vallecillo, the port captain in San Felipe.
But her name IS/was BOBBI, not Barbara. Something lost in translation like his age.

bacquito - 4-12-2012 at 04:36 PM

Were they in a 'sit on the top" type kayak or a "sit in" with a skirt? It is difficult to believe they did not have life vest. Hect, I use a life vest if I kayak in the Colorado River (actually the law says I must!)

woody with a view - 4-12-2012 at 09:44 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by mtgoat666
Quote:
Originally posted by woody with a view
whatever the cause, the guy was almost 80 years old. how would he protect his wife in an emergency if things went bad? what was their plan? doesn't anyone in the campo know them and have any insight?

just seems like such a waste. they either decided to go out like that or they were fools. either way, the result is the same. sad, but Darwin understood.....


the news article said he was 70. i know a few 70 year olds who can kick a$$ in endurance sports. 70 is not too old for serious kayaking.

that said, i don't know particulars about this guy, but don't be so quick to say a 70- or 80 year old can't do physically demanding sports.

i plan to kick most 40-yo a$$e$ when i hit 75 yo!


cmon Goat. we all know you have a hard head and that would prolly keep you alive whence none other would survive! least i'd hope so and would wait to hear your story....

that said, the 99% would have drowned within 5 minutes of their YAK flipping them the bird. with the internet and the plethora (word of the day!) of sites that forecast wind gradients, i'd hope that you/we/me could all have a better grip on what the day has in store.....

nyme sayng?

willardguy - 4-12-2012 at 10:09 PM

I dont think so, its different over there. there is no predicting the wind. having been in gonzaga for years we still marvel at how fast the wind direction can completely reverse then moments later come from a completely different direction. its enough to keep you close to shore.

Life vest...

EnsenadaDr - 4-13-2012 at 03:46 AM

So even with a life vest you can drown? I was thinking of taking up kayaking in Hawaii...but now I am not so sure..
Quote:
Originally posted by bacquito
Were they in a 'sit on the top" type kayak or a "sit in" with a skirt? It is difficult to believe they did not have life vest. Hect, I use a life vest if I kayak in the Colorado River (actually the law says I must!)

Barry A. - 4-13-2012 at 08:06 AM

With a life vest on you are reasonably assured of NOT drowning, but you can still be dragged under (in a river), hit your head and be knocked out, or just pass out from exhaustion, and drown.

I still have not heard if these poor folks had, or did not have, life vests on.

Anybody know??

Barry

DENNIS - 4-13-2012 at 08:17 AM

Panic could be a factor, and it only takes a bit of water in the lungs to kill.

Who's to say what happened out there? There's an important lesson to be learned here...respect for Mother Nature.

woody with a view - 4-13-2012 at 08:27 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by willardguy
I dont think so, its different over there. there is no predicting the wind. having been in gonzaga for years we still marvel at how fast the wind direction can completely reverse then moments later come from a completely different direction. its enough to keep you close to shore.


check this out. it just takes a minute to find these sites and then you stay off the water that day! http://www.sailflow.com/windandwhere.iws?regionID=130&re...

press the "play" arrow just below this: Wind Forecast, xt_Baja California

see how easy a little preparation can be?

[Edited on 4-13-2012 by woody with a view]

People Drown

MrBillM - 4-13-2012 at 10:11 AM

Wearing "Flotation Devices" ALL the time.

The problem with the Most-Effective "Life Vests" (which WILL position and hold your head erect above the water), is that they are the MOST uncomfortable. Consequently, few people wear them by choice. I NEVER did, although I kept them stored below deck and, whenever I had kids on board, I'd make them wear the Child or Youth-sized.

That said, ANY approved Flotation Vest is better than none.

As someone who has sailed well offshore often ALONE and usually didn't follow my own rules about safety harnesses and Jack Lines even though going overboard would have left me miles from any help with the boat gone on its way, I wouldn't be surprised or critical of someone not wearing one, although being in a Kayak puts you at a far greater danger of going in.

Stuff Happens.

Years ago, there was a story in one of the sailing mags about a Physician who TAUGHT "Safety-at-Sea" courses. He was sailing overnight with a crew to participate in the Annapolis Boat Show. He had Strict safety rules enforced on his boat.

On deck, at night standing watch alone in moderate seas, he "apparently" saw something on the Fore-Deck which needed attention and walked forward without attaching to the Jack Line.

He disappeared and, weeks later, had still not been found.

No matter how many times things go OK, It only takes one of the other.

[Edited on 4-13-2012 by MrBillM]

sancho - 4-13-2012 at 10:23 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Barry A.


I am 74--------------been active all my life



Barry, You have a few on me, thanks for the post,
I know a guy around 90, rides a road bicycle with all
the gear, puts 250 or so on a week

willardguy - 4-13-2012 at 10:39 AM

these poor folks were just innocent victims of sea of cortez weather. the day they were lost the wind was blowing 5 knots a 10:30am. at 1:30pm the wind was a rippin 30 knots. very tragic, rip

sancho - 4-13-2012 at 11:09 AM

http://katskorner.com.mx/san_felipe/2012/04/13/13-april-2012...



A little more info

Thanks, Sancho..

EnsenadaDr - 4-13-2012 at 11:25 AM

Thanks, Sancho for the link. Appears Frank had extensive experience kayaking, and his son owns a sports store. The story gets more eerie, one writer stated she lost her dad in the SAME spot 41 years ago...Maybe this area should be labeled...the Orfanitos triangle...????
Quote:
Originally posted by sancho
http://katskorner.com.mx/san_felipe/2012/04/13/13-april-2012...



A little more info

bacquito - 4-13-2012 at 11:27 AM

Are there times when the weather conditions are more favorable in the Sea of Cortez for Kayaking? There have been post by kayakers traveling the coast and it seemed with little problems. Are the variable wind conditions mostly around San Felipe-Huerfonito? I know I have read articles about wind conditions and trouble with kayaking.
Hopefully, I can resume my kayaking soon but will appreciate any comments.

woody with a view - 4-13-2012 at 12:05 PM

spring time is notorious for windy weather in that area.

Barry A. - 4-13-2012 at 12:17 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by bacquito
Are there times when the weather conditions are more favorable in the Sea of Cortez for Kayaking? There have been post by kayakers traveling the coast and it seemed with little problems. Are the variable wind conditions mostly around San Felipe-Huerfonito? I know I have read articles about wind conditions and trouble with kayaking.
Hopefully, I can resume my kayaking soon but will appreciate any comments.


I have several good friends that have kayak'ed the entire SOC Baja & Sanora Coasts in segments, all in Oct. and Nov., and even then they were normally "off the water" by about 11am every day unless conditions are very favorable. They would resume their paddleing the next morning about 4AM. They never had any major problems, but commented that the problems they did have were making landings after the wind had churned up the waves making the very choppy SOC surf kick up along shore. But at least it was "along shore" so they only got wet, and/or capsized, right close to land.

It'a tricky!! and you have to plan well, according to what they told me.

Barry

willardguy - 4-13-2012 at 12:27 PM

keep an eye on the horizon, it becomes a sixth sense.

sancho - 4-13-2012 at 01:05 PM

As posted, wind is common Nov-Apr., and after May 15
or so, it can be Hot. A good book on a solo kayak
paddle from the top of the Cortez to the East Cape
Ed Darack (I think that is the sp), 'Wind Sun Water',
you tube has some good videos on kayaking San
Felipe to to Bay of LA area

Cypress - 4-13-2012 at 01:35 PM

My experience kayaking on the Sea of Cortez. Calm mornings. You can usually expect the wind to start picking up at a little before noon and increasing for a while. It may are may not let up towards sunset. But that seems to be the way the wind blows all over the world.:)

David K - 4-13-2012 at 01:52 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by sancho
As posted, wind is common Nov-Apr., and after May 15
or so, it can be Hot. A good book on a solo kayak
paddle from the top of the Cortez to the East Cape
Ed Darack (I think that is the sp), 'Wind Sun Water',
you tube has some good videos on kayaking San
Felipe to to Bay of LA area


Do you have links to those videos?

So Sorry to Pile on the Sad News

Gypsy Jan - 4-13-2012 at 01:52 PM

Body of missing kayaker found south of San Felipe
Search continued Wednesday for his wife

Originally published April 11, 2012 at 2:35 p.m., updated April 12, 2012 at 10:19 p.m.

From the San Diego Union Tribune

By: Sandra Dibble

Authorities have identified the body of a man found Monday in the Gulf of California as Frank Wheeler, a U.S. citizen reported missing last weekend after he went kayaking south of San Felipe.

The Mexican navy on Wednesday continued its search in an area south of Puertecitos for his wife Bobi Wheeler, said Felipe de Jesús Vallecillo, the port captain in San Felipe.

A statement by Mexico’s Naval Ministry said that personnel had been searching on land and sea since Saturday, and on Sunday an airplane was sent to join the effort. The airplane and two boats continued to search the area between Punta Bufeo and Punta Final on Wednesday.

"The U.S. Consulate confirmed Wheeler’s death. Vallecillo, the port captain, said that Frank Wheeler, 70, and his wife, 60, were residents of the San Felipe community of El Dorado Ranch and liked to kayak in the area.

Their vehicle was reported abandoned Saturday in the tourist camp of Huerfanito, about 70 miles from San Felipe, prompting a search for the couple.

According to the statement from the Mexican Naval Ministry, some fishermen on Monday found an empty kayak drifting about three miles from an area known as Campo Douglas. Frank Wheeler's body was found later that day, according to the statement."

LaPazGringo - 4-13-2012 at 03:55 PM

Terrible news. I wish it weren't so.

Ken Cooke - 4-13-2012 at 08:15 PM

I sold my tandem kayak w/life preservers, seats, paddles, everything. My Wife can't swim, and reading this confirms that I made the right decision in selling the stuff.

David K - 4-13-2012 at 09:01 PM

Teaching her to swim may be the one of the nicest thing you could do for Leidys! Being 60-80 years of age had something to do with what happened, and you got a few years to go before that.

Going DOWN ?

MrBillM - 4-13-2012 at 10:43 PM

Excrement occurs.

We've seen it happen time and again in Baja.

People young and old drown a few feet offshore (or in pools) under calm conditions all the time for a variety of reasons.

Back in my youthful surfing days, I came a bit close myself at least once.

Wasn't wearing a Life-Jacket then, either.

wilderone - 4-14-2012 at 08:34 AM

"Being 60-80 years of age had something to do with what happened ... "
I don't think so. Supposedly they were "experienced" kayakers - but is certainily a relative term. Maybe that means they putzed around a lot on sit-on-tops in fair weather. Did they practice rescues together? An experienced kayaker would certainly know the weather forecast for the day; would recognize the first sign of that "refreshing breeze" as a warning that white caps will very soon follow, and that breeze may become a headwind to fight. What time of day did they start paddling? And many other considerations come into play, but rather cruel to analyze in hindsight. Obviously, their past experience was not enough to survive that day.

Skipjack Joe - 4-14-2012 at 08:56 AM

Can any of you kayakers postulate what the end was like?

Since a kayak is non submersible why didn't they just hold on And ride it out to shore.

I know the area well from an luminum boat. Much safer but you get a wet ride coming home. Always stay close to shore. That's where the fish are anyway.

woody with a view - 4-14-2012 at 08:58 AM

my nightmare scenario is the wind came up and flipped one or both. by the time they surfaced the kayak was 5 feet away and blowing farther each second while they watched.....

Cypress - 4-14-2012 at 09:03 AM

Suicide by drowning?

mtgoat666 - 4-14-2012 at 09:07 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Ken Cooke
I sold my tandem kayak w/life preservers, seats, paddles, everything. My Wife can't swim, and reading this confirms that I made the right decision in selling the stuff.


seems the more useful solution would have been to teach your wife to swim. enroll her at the Y. or teach her yourself. everyone should know how to swim.

GPS/SOS wristwatches??

EnsenadaDr - 4-14-2012 at 09:08 AM

Should be some waterproof wristwatches or devices with SOS/distress signal capabilities available..
Quote:
Originally posted by woody with a view
my nightmare scenario is the wind came up and flipped one or both. by the time they surfaced the kayak was 5 feet away and blowing farther each second while they watched.....

woody with a view - 4-14-2012 at 09:12 AM

a flare gun comes to mind.

Barry A. - 4-14-2012 at 09:30 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by woody with a view
a flare gun comes to mind.


---------and teathers, from person to kayak---sooooo important.

If there is anything positive from tragedies like this, it is that we who are still here re-assess our safty requirements, and hopefully avoid this type of accident in the future.

Barry

Flare gun in Mexico??

EnsenadaDr - 4-14-2012 at 09:31 AM

They might start shooting back..asking questions later...sounds more and more to me like, "Triangulo de Los Huerfanitos"...
Quote:
Originally posted by woody with a view
a flare gun comes to mind.

Skipjack Joe - 4-14-2012 at 09:32 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by EnsenadaDr
Should be some waterproof wristwatches or devices with SOS/distress signal capabilities available..
Quote:
Originally posted by woody with a view
my nightmare scenario is the wind came up and flipped one or both. by the time they surfaced the kayak was 5 feet away and blowing farther each second while they watched.....


Would anyone respond in baja?

Only members of the group you came with could help. This isn't like kayaking on Lake Mead. You take risks. I came close to doing us in at crossing the channel at S Francisquito this summer. You come back sshaking with fear. Was not prepared so I pressed on instead of staying on the island,

woody with a view - 4-14-2012 at 09:34 AM

glad you made it Bud! perhaps you got lucky but i prefer to think some skill was involved....

A Perfect Storm

MrBillM - 4-14-2012 at 09:52 AM

Of Controversy.

Since the ONLY two who can know what actually happened are GONE, free-streaming conjecture concerning the circumstances is uninhibited and, therefore, can be shaped to whatever each individual sees as the paramount lesson.

Replete with lessons to be learned and helpful "suggestions" for avoidance.

SPOT Would

bajaguy - 4-14-2012 at 10:00 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Skipjack Joe

Would anyone respond in baja?






Worldwide:

http://www.findmespot.com/en/

Terry28 - 4-14-2012 at 10:05 AM

For the second time in recent memory I agree with Mr. Bill. We will never know what happened.

Skipjack Joe - 4-14-2012 at 10:15 AM

Both luck and skill.

I entered the channel with some wind. Then the waves got bigger. Barely could handle them. It was important to ride them diagonally whenever possible. But when large ones came straight on you have to go directly into them or be overturned. They came frequently always ending in a bone jarring crash, but no leakage. Well, twice large waves and the boat failed to respond. It would not turn into them. We were hit broadside butdid not flip over. That's where the luck came in. I subsequently figure it out. By having Alex sit at the very front of the boat it became less maneuverable, difficult to turn. And we almost paid for that mistake with our lives.

Bedo was amazed when he saw me coming in, He was petrified with fear. His comment. Either you have a good boat or a very skilled. A 14'2" Gregor. nothing more.

DENNIS - 4-14-2012 at 10:20 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Skipjack Joe
Both luck and skill.




Nice to see you back posting, Igor. We worried about you.
[this doesn't qualify as a hijacking. I looked it up.]

woody with a view - 4-14-2012 at 10:23 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Skipjack Joe
Both luck and skill.
I subsequently figure it out. By having Alex sit at the very front of the boat it became less maneuverable, difficult to turn.

Either you have a good boat or a very skilled. A 14'2" Gregor. nothing more.


best lesson i've heard in a long time! see Bill, if you look and WANT to learn something. tidbits like this could save even you. :light:

bacquito - 4-14-2012 at 10:33 AM

Thanks for the comments regarding best times to Kayak in the SOC.

Anyone home???

EnsenadaDr - 4-14-2012 at 10:37 AM

Maybe the neighbors or relatives at the Camp would come..and at least if you were stranded someone might know where you were...the Mexican search teams were on it pretty fast...
Quote:
Originally posted by Skipjack Joe
Quote:
Originally posted by EnsenadaDr
Should be some waterproof wristwatches or devices with SOS/distress signal capabilities available..
Quote:
Originally posted by woody with a view
my nightmare scenario is the wind came up and flipped one or both. by the time they surfaced the kayak was 5 feet away and blowing farther each second while they watched.....


Would anyone respond in baja?

Only members of the group you came with could help. This isn't like kayaking on Lake Mead. You take risks. I came close to doing us in at crossing the channel at S Francisquito this summer. You come back sshaking with fear. Was not prepared so I pressed on instead of staying on the island,

Learning Something

MrBillM - 4-14-2012 at 11:35 AM

After years of sailing in the Caribbean, the Gulf of Mexico, the Pacific and the Sea of Cortez, I've Learned LOTS.

AND, I survived each lesson.

As, obviously, others haven't.
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