Stephen Zisner Lost Paddle Story and reward offered

[okieboater]

Stephen contacted me Sunday morning and asked that I post this on the message board as he is unable to post. Interesting story !!!


Lost kayak paddle on the Buffalo River below Steel Creek on Saturday, April 6, 2013 and there is a $$ reward for its return.
I decided to trade my favorite kayak paddle for my life. On Saturday while paddling in my kayak on the Buffalo River under what most would consider to be ideal conditions i.e. sunshine, 70F air temperature and a decent water level, I failed to execute a proper “eddy out” along the river bank in fast moving water. The swift moving water pushed me downstream for about 20 ft. into some very knarly tree roots that had been exposed by bank erosion which created a mini strainer. When I slammed into the tree roots, I flipped and adroitly executed a wet exit with aplomb because I have an M.W.E./Masters in Wet Exiting and my fellow paddlers have often witnessed me do this on many an occasion in the past. [I do not have a roll but I believe this would not have been the spot to attempt to execute a roll.] I always hang onto my paddle because, when the crisis is over, one needs their paddle to continue their journey. When I attempted to surface and raise my head out of the water my head would not move because something was holding my helmet. I tried 3 times in a row to raise my head without success and realized something had snagged the rear side of my helmet and was holding my head under the water. I was underwater for some time and began to wonder how much longer I could hold my breath. At this point I must have let go of my paddle because I remember using both hands to push away from whatever to free myself. I got my first sweet breath of air and spotted a safe place on the bank and headed to it. Once again, I put my head back into the water and took aggressive swimming strokes towards the bank. When I reached the eddy line, I executed 2 barrel rolls to cross it and once in the shallow water Grant Howe caught up to me and offered assistance. Unbeknownst to me, Grant witnessed what had happened and had been trying to reach me during my ordeal to assist, but I was always a step ahead of him. My fellow paddlers, Jim Binns, Grant Howe & Roger Keesee assisted in freeing my kayak from the pin and it was not difficult. [Kurt Otto was not present, but he is not allowed to touch my kayak…and that is another story.] Once the kayak was free, it was necessary for me to cross the river to the other side. I borrowed someone’s canoe paddle and used the tripod technique to wade across in a shallow spot. While I was crossing, Roger covered me with a throw rope in the event I needed it. My kayak paddle was nowhere to be found and we visually examined the mini strainer to no avail. For whatever reason, on this particular day, Jim had decided to paddle his canoe with a kayak paddle. He allowed me to continue the journey with his 11 ft. long wooden kayak paddle which is about twice as long as my lost carbon fiber xxx cm. paddle. Beggars can’t be choosers. I was very thankful that he allowed me to use it. Jim broke out his spare canoe paddle for himself. Did I mention my lost kayak paddle is an AT brand, black shaft carbon fiber with dark gray blades and yes, I did have my name and telephone number written on it: “Stephen Zisner 479-442-59 zero zero Fayetteville”. I am sure whoever finds it will enjoy using it before they return it to me. If it does not turn up I am sure that Eric Esche will loan me a paddle from his paddle inventory until I replace it.
For all of the things that I did correctly, I wish to thank the following swift water rescue instructors who have allowed me to attend 1st as a student and in later years to assist as an aide in their Swift Water Rescue classes where I get the privilege to hear the same schpeil over and over again; Jim Simmons, who allowed me to be a student when I clueless as to what an eddy was, Arthur Bowie, Walter Felton, Dee Tucker, Marcel and most recently, Steve Runnels & Tom Burroughs. My recommendation to all you who are reading this post is that you attend a Swift Water Rescue class because THE NEXT LIFE YOU SAVE MAY BE YOUR OWN. I know ya’all are going to ask, “When is the next class?”
This allows me to segue into Tom Burroughs & Steve Runnels are offering a Swift Water Rescue class the weekend of April 19 & 20. If you are a member of the Northwest Chapter of ACC, then there is a 50% discount from the price because our chapter has voted to subsidize valuable learning for its chapter members. Contact them for details. Operators are standing by. What is Your chapter doing for you!
Wait, there is more. This spot in the river was giving many others trouble. As my deal was coming to a close, a tandem canoe with non-ACC members, meaning they were not wearing life jackets, flipped and the girl was injured and bleeding. Even though it was sunny and warm, she was shaking uncontrollably. Roger “I Only Need A Topo Map” Keesee took the lead on this situation and attended to her. He decided she was not in any condition to continue paddling. This was their 3rd tump of the day and she was definitely not a happy camper. He commandeered a horse to get the girl across the river for a hike out. Her male companion began to wade across the river carrying the 2 life jackets. I stopped him and insisted he don one of the life jackets. Then Roger proceeded to wade across the river with him using a paddle to execute a 2 person tripod technique. Once they were both safely across the river, Roger walked with them and guided them to the beginning of the trail that would get them back to Steel Creek. We are always amazed at Rogers bushwhacking hiking ability and he is also an active member in the Washington County Search & Rescue team.
And this allows me to segue into Tom Burroughs is teaching an Wilderness First Aid class for a fee on April 12 & 13 where he will teach you what to do once you get the victim to shore and they are still breathing and need help. If they are not breathing, then you can sign up for the free CPR class that Steve Shepherd is coordinating in his spare time…this is what the ACC is doing for all of us!
No, I am not being paid for these public service announcements nor will accept any remuneration. I’m just thankful to be alive and will be back on the water at the next opportunity. Life is good.

[happy happy happy]

Stephen and ,or Dave please give me a call ! 870-448-7359 Grant. Thank you very much. Hallelujah we live on. Love ya all

[happy happy happy]

Stephen and ,or Dave please give me a call ! 870-448-7359 Grant. Thank you very much. Hallelujah we live on. Love ya all

[happy happy happy]

Stephen and ,or Dave please give me a call ! 870-448-7359 Grant. Thank you very much. Hallelujah we live on. Love ya all

[Steve S]

you can sign up for the free CPR class that Steve Shepherd is coordinating in his spare time…

That should be Paul Shepherd'; I don't want to take credit for all the work Paul is doing for the NW Chapter.

[Eric Esche]

Stephan - call me and come on by for a loaner paddle. Sorry you had to have a reminder on why it is good to know how to eddy and roll. Glad you were not hurt and that no one else was either. Hope you get your paddle back.

Eric Esche

[Half Ton]

Great recount of events, and example of why swift water rescue is very beneficial. Especially for 1/2 price!

Thanks for sharing Stephan and Dave!

To hold on to paddle, or to let go?

Seems like it varies according to circumstance. By golly, letting go in order to definitely have a better shot at freeing your self from entanglement and immediate drowning is a natural reaction, and more than likely the best one in most cases.

Sometimes hanging on to the paddle just to be stubborn about rolling, and successfully doing so, is much more harmful than taking a swim. Would not know from personal experience or anything

A paddle can always be replaced.

[JB2012]

On this particular day with Stephen, I took my Mad River Courier and my dog. I also took a 9' long kayak paddle to make paddling the pools easier, since I have a boat partner who doesn't handle a paddle well. Stephen Zisner, to me will henceforth be known as the "Teflon Paddler."