RE: [Paddlewise] Climbing on back deck

On 30 Mar 98, Sisler, Clyde wrote:

> <SNIP> 
>  I was wondering what I'd do if, while paddling alone, I
> capsized, was unable to roll back up or couldn't get back in using a
> paddle float or other method because of weather or physical
> conditions.
> 
>  I think I would crawl only part way up the back deck, mainly to get
> my torso out of cold water.  I think I would have more stability
> with my legs partially in the water and the bow tilted up in the air
> somewhat than if I were to crawl up as far as I might.

	[The follwing thoughts are "from the hip" with no basis in
practical experience... and are potententially "all wet". (sorry for
the weak  pun, but I couldn't resist)]	 	 
	Getting the Torso out of the water is a good idea, especially in 
these northern waters. Hypothermia can set in very quickly, as you 
are aware.   But I am trying to think of a situation where you could 
get your body on the deck, and not be able (or want) to get your but 
back into the cockpit.  Even if the cockpit is partially filled with 
water I would think that you would still be better off in the seat 
then on the deck.

>  I would then tie myself onto the deck in some manner, probably
> cutting the deck lines on the forward deck, wrapping them around the
> cockpit coaming and myself in case I were to lose consciousness or
> control due to hypothermia.

	Due to the log-like nature of a kayak, I'm not sure I would TIE 
myself to the deck of one.  I can't argue with your desire to stay 
out of the wet, but should the "dry side" decide to become the "wet 
side" due to some lump of flesh (me) throwing off the center of 
gravity, I wouldn't want to be married to my position on the hull.

>  Then I guess I would try to paddle the kayak like surfboard from
> this position.  The paddling would help ward off hypothermia and
> unless I was being swept out to sea, should not (normally) have much
> more than a mile or so to paddle.

    I guess this goes back to my original premis, I am having trouble 
imagining a situation where I could be on the deck, and not be able 
to get into the cockpit.  I have never tried to paddle a kayak in the 
manner that you describe, but I assume it to be possible - I have had 
the "opportunity" to paddle a boat with a cockpit full of water in 
semi-rough seas, and while it is nothing like an empty cockpit it is 
highly "do-able".

What says the group?
Gregg Bolton
gsb_at_ime.net
http://w3.ime.net/~gsb
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