Re: [Paddlewise] Who needs spare paddles?

I carry a TAP in my K whitewater boat.  The paddle is not easily accessible,
but where I've paddled, there are easily accessed river banks (no gorges).
I've not had a need, but there were two instances, in my brief experience,
where others in the party have benefited from my spare paddle.  Actually, most
were amazed that anyone would have the foresight to pack a spare paddle.  It's
common practice when your 4 miles from shore, why not 4 miles from the putin or
takeout?  'seems there's a saying . . ."up the creek without a _____":)

Fred

Product Information Department wrote:

> In a decade of sea kayaking I've never used my spare paddle for myself.
> However, I have lent it to a dismasted winter windsurfer who was straddling
> his board, and despite vigorous hand paddling, was being blown relentlessly
> out to sea. Through a combination of his efforts with my spare paddle and
> my towing and verbal encouragement/goading, we made it to shore just as he
> was becoming incoherent with hypothermia. Fire/ambulance teams, called by
> an alert friend of the windsurfer's who had noticed his car parked with his
> street clothes in the back seat, took over at this point. (One of the
> fireman, not clear that I was a helper rather than a helpee, tried to stop
> me putting back out to sea!)
> Anyway, if I never use my spare again, I figure it's paid for itself being
> carried for the rest of my paddling career. Besides, with its tough
> polycarbonate blades, it makes a great pole for my tarp - saving space from
> a single purpose pole, and making room for more plastic pink flamingos.
>
> Philip Torrens
> "The opinions expressed in this posting are not necessarily those of my
> employer, or indeed, of any sentient being."
>
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