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Subject 30's Experience

Kitty W. – Competitive Kayak Racer

Kitty is an experienced open-water kayaker who competes in both flat water and ocean waves, where unexpected falls into the water are common due to unpredictable wave conditions. These falls require mental preparedness, quick reactions, and situational awareness to navigate the risks. As she explains, “The waves can toss you in many different directions unexpectedly, so having that mental capacity to be prepared for those falls and how to respond quickly is of benefit.”

During races, lifejackets are not worn, but safety crews and rescue boats are present. “When you're racing, you don’t get the luxury of wearing a lifejacket,” she notes, adding that internationally, this standard is being explored. In contrast, recreational paddling allows for safety choices like wearing a lifejacket, carrying a whistle, and informing others of the planned route. “When I go recreationally, I make sure I have all the safety equipment… and I make sure that the people around me are wearing one.”

Watch Kitty W. go through the experiences below.

Pre-Interview
Stand-Up Paddleboard
Fishing Boat
Cold Water Tank
Warm Water Tank
Post-Interview

Subject 30

Kitty shares a personal experience she had during a race in Halifax (with water around 12–13°C) that highlights the dangers of unexpected falls—panic, struggling for oxygen, risk of head injury from the kayak, and the challenge of reorienting oneself. “I felt fear and panic because you try to get to the surface, but you can’t… you’re just hoping someone will reach you as soon as possible.” The cold water intensified the gasp reflex and hyperventilation, making the experience even more challenging.

Her experiences have reinforced the importance of wearing a lifejacket. “When I’ve fallen off with a lifejacket, it’s much more protective. I don’t really have to worry too much about treading water. It helps keep my head above water, giving me more time to wait for help. There’s a level of comfort knowing I can at least stay at the surface. But when I’m tossed off a kayak without one, there’s so much more I have to process in those split seconds—how to get my craft back and use it as a flotation device, tapping into my swimming skills to reach shore, and pushing through mental and physical exhaustion to get help. That’s the difference—having a lifejacket gives you that extra physical and mental capacity to respond in an emergency.”

Racing experience has enhanced Kitty’s awareness of boating safety. When kayaking recreationally, she prioritizes safety equipment, informs someone of her route, and advocates for lifejacket use. She also recognizes unsafe boating behaviours in others, noting she sees a lot of people that don’t wear one and just have it on the side.

“When I go recreationally, I make sure I have all the safety equipment… and I make sure that the people around me are wearing one.”

Kitty found the Virtual Reality – SUP experience to be quite realistic, capturing the slight instability typical of being on the water. Due to her kayaking experience, she felt comfortable with balance and control, whereas many beginners start on their knees due to the challenge of standing.

Falling off in the simulation felt familiar to her, as she regularly practices self-rescue techniques in her training. The fishing boat simulation was a new experience for her, reinforcing her instinct that standing and leaning over increases the risk of falling. The fall from the boat felt more abrupt and shocking compared to a SUP due to the greater height. “The shock was a little bit more, I guess, amplified than falling off a stand-up paddleboard,” she explained, noting the unexpected nature of such incidents.

“It’s all fun and games until something happens, and you never know when that will be”

After going through the two dunk tank experiences, comparing the warm and cold-water immersion, Kitty noted that the warm water felt comfortable and non-threatening, whereas the cold water caused an immediate shock, rapid breathing, and the need to quickly regain control. In real open water conditions, exposure to splashing waves helps the body gradually adjust, but sudden immersion remains a significant challenge. “It’s all fun and games until something happens, and you never know when that will be,” she warned, emphasizing the unpredictability of water-related accidents.

With extensive experience as a lifeguard, swim coach, and competitive lifesaving athlete, Kitty understands the risks of open-water immersion. She emphasizes the importance of safety measures, including wearing a properly fitted lifejacket, going out with a partner, and having a backup plan. She warns that even strong swimmers can struggle in open water due to unpredictable conditions and visibility issues. Lifejackets and safety devices play a crucial role in survival, preventing unnecessary risks that could turn a fun outing into a dangerous situation.

“And if I did tip over, and I felt I could not get out of the water on my own and somebody had to rescue me, then I would have my lifejacket to save me. And if I didn't have my lifejacket on, I think I would be dead.”