Re: [Paddlewise] FW: sponsons

Chuck Holst wrote:
> 
 
> 
> I agree they might come in handy during emergencies, although Ive never
> tried them. The problem is...where to get them. I will not under any
> circumstance purchase a set of Tim's.
> 
> Wayne
> 
> PS-Jackie is my hero. Jackie for Paddlewise Paddlequeen.
> >>>
 
> Since the clips have to be installed and adjusted beforehand,
> how would a set of sponsons carried by the leader benefit a
> paddler who probably is not set up for them?
> 
> Chuck Holst

That is a good point.  Boats are not likely to be set up for them. 
However, the pre-setup is absolutely crucial for someone alone.  If
within a group, rafting up and several set of hands attacking the
project would get it done pretty quickly even without a pre-setup.

In the case of a group, I don't see the sponsons as a _rescue_ device,
afterall an assisted rescue would be quicker and more effective over a
wide range of conditions.  I see it as a moving-on device for the dumped
paddler to paddle away toward the next beach or safety point.  In so
many dumping situations, the affected paddler is so prone to continuing
dumping again.  Some of the classic episodes in Sea Kayaker and other
reports attest to this.  The sponsons stop the dumping pretty much and
give the paddler a chance to regain composure.  That is where I see the
real value of sponsons.

ralph
-- 
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Ralph Diaz . . . Folding Kayaker newsletter
PO Box 0754, New York, NY 10024
Tel: 212-724-5069; E-mail: rdiaz_at_ix.netcom.com
"Where's your sea kayak?"----"It's in the bag."
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