Re: [Paddlewise] Spare Paddles

On Tue, 07 Apr 1998 14:15:22 -0400, you wrote:

>Dear List,
snip>
>>I carry my spare paddle on the foredeck. Because Greenland paddles are   one-
>>piece with narrow blades, it is very easy to slip them under the bungies
>>while under way. This makes it very easy to switch back and forth, and to   
>>grab the spare and roll up with it, should that be necessary.
>>
> 
>I have also read (perhaps from Chuck, I forget) of the use of a "storm"
>paddle.  I actually haven't seen this described, however I would guess that
>this is just a short version of the Greenland paddle.  Is this true?
>Perhaps this is another foredeck alternative.

Yes a storm paddle is just a short version for less windage.

I often carry both european and an aleut paddle. The aleut paddle
stows easily on the front deck due to its narrow width.  I carry the
european spare on the back deck.  Note this is not the safest place in
rough conditions.  I have lost 1/2 of a two part aluminum/plastic type
spare from my back deck during rescue practice.  It didn't float,
although it was theoretically supposed to!  Reaching behind to grab
spare half of paddle is no problem - assembly of two halves is well;
awkward.
I feel a T grip end (available as a separate piece) on the appropriate
half of your two piece paddle gives one an instantly useable blade for
propulsion, bracing and King Island roll in really rough conditions.
If conditions are calmer or you can raft up with your buddy, removal
of the T grip and assembly of both parts of your two piece then
presents no problem. 
It is possible to break paddles during common rescues such as paddle
float re-entry. This has happened to me in practice (I suspect a
defective paddle) and to a friend in rough conditions where the spare
had to be used after his primary paddle failed.
Catastrophic failure of paddles does happen - so be prepared.
Practice beforehand prevents panic.

Mark S.
***************************************************************************
PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List
Submissions:     paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net
Subscriptions:   paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net
Website:         http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/
***************************************************************************