Re: [Paddlewise] Ballast, make it usefull.

Here is another take on ballast.

In many cases people are paddling a boat that needs more load aboard to be
on
their lines and handle best. a boat designed to carry a 200 lb paddler and
100+ lbs of gear is not likely to be comfortable to paddle by a person who 
only weighs 150 lb, even though it might be great with that paddler and
150 lb
of gear.
The solution is to add enough ballast to get the boat down enough to
handle well.

As long as we are adding things to the boat, why not make them do as many
different
things as possible? Rather than bolt lead into the kayak, carry a bigger
first aid
kit, more signaling devices, some (or more) emergency rations, etc., you
get the idea.
Carry things that you would want to have along.

The second part of this is to attach these items to the kayak, as low as
possible 
and on the centerline. This way they also add stability.
To aid with longevity, emergency rations, clothes, etc., can be vaccuum
sealed in
heavy plastic so that if the time comes when you need them, they are still
dry.

Lead is very efficient for getting lots of weight into a small space but
that is
about all that it is good for, you can't eat it. :-))

jackie_at_intelenet.net wrote:

> > From: "K. Whilden" <kwhilden_at_u.washington.edu>
> 
> > The comment regarding sponsons is a joke referring to Mr. Unmentionable's
> > penchant for raping the laws of physics and logic in his defense. I do
> > not advocate any device as a substitute for skill, but rather I believe
> > devices should be a supplement to skill.
> 
> I think ballast fall into this category... a supplement.  

It is a supplement but can be much more, see above. 

> Agreed.  Many do, but there seems to be an awful lot of rescues of
> sea kayakers without appropriate skills from that recent coastguard report
> (such as those who could not even re-enter their boats).

Perhaps, but for comparison, how many times does the coast guard have to
rescue
commercial fishermen? I hear of very large numbers of fishermen dieing at
sea
but rarely hear any outrage or push for real prevention.

I do not like to hear of deaths of kayakers, especially those that could
have 
been easily prevented by a little training and practice, but I often think
the danger is shown out of proportion. Has anybody looked at the death and 
injury rate for High School football?

> > There
> > are lots of simple little drills that can be done while paddling to
> > improve technique without undue effort. My personal favorite is paddling
> > with the boat on edge for an extended time (1-5 minutes). This does
> > wonders for edging and hip snap strength, as well as directional control
> > because boats turn easier when leaned.

This is a great tip.
Please keep droping more like this.

> I think paddling parallel to the beach in surf (not big stuff) is good
> for developing bracing skills (besides being fun).

This is also a good one, lots a practice in a short time.

> > I can believe that pooch_yakkin' does wonders for bracing skills. If you
> > want to increase the level of challenge, you might consider upgrading to
> > a St. Bernard. :)

Great art snipped

>     "You ought'n to talk about open-water fetch when Tiny is along."

I have a friend who has a rotweiller who likes to swim with (chase) the
sea lions. It can be a bit exciting when he gets out and back into the
boat. :-)

michael
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