Re: [Paddlewise] Bow Flotation

R. Walker wrote:
> I have inflated bags in both bow and stern; and it is boyount
> enough to where it doesn't do what you are talking about.  I
> have swamped it in the pool, and its fine.

I assume you were fully loaded when trying this in the pool?  ('just checking.) 
Also, while pool sessions are very useful, it's far more useful to check performance
in rough seas where a capsize might occur and a re-entry is likely to be needed. 
Preferably near a sandy beach with an on-shore wind close to your car -   The sandy
beach, on-shore winds & car help ensure that if things go wrong, you'll have a soft
landing and a warm place to go. 

> To be honest though, it wouldn't really matter unless there
> was some really bad luck, 99% of the time I am in water that
> is three foot deep or less.  So while I have practiced 
> recovering the boat over the deep end of the pool, its not
> a skill that I likely will ever have much use for. 

So, I take it you're a river kayaker?  That *is* a different thing.  I was thinking
about sea kayaking or other waters where you're a ways from shore and it's *much*
deeper than 3 feet  without adequate bow flotation.  It's not that common that the
flotation is actually needed - but there have been enough cases of people getting
injured or killed that I thought it worth mentioning.

> It is nice to know that I can do it, if I do venture offshore to 
> the rigs and capsize while trying to boat a big Red Snapper.

If you *do* venture offshore, I hope you recognize that rescue in a pool is not at
all the same thing as rescue in rough water.  The paddle-float re-entry, T & X
rescues, Eskimo roll, re-enter & roll, etc., are all pretty easy in a pool or in
calm water - but they can be *very* tough in the kind of conditions that are likely
to cause an unplanned capsize! 

Not preaching - just hoping that no-one gets hurt, OK?

Craig Olson
Bellingham, Washington

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