[Paddlewise] Curl Rescue, Foot Pump

The great advantage of having a foot pump is that you can paddle and
brace while, at the same time emptying your boat.  I have had foot pumps
in my boats for years.  I started putting them in my boats after doing
some self-rescue exercises in rough water and discovering how difficult
it is to empty your boat in real (rough) conditions.  I own a couple of
electric pumps that were designed for kayaks but, with the foot pumps,
never felt inclined to install them.  Knowing my own foibles I don't
trust myself to keep them charged and always ready to go.
The "Curl Rescue" is a rescue that is designed to help empty a boat that
has so much water in it that it is simply too heavy to lift (as in a
swamped boat).  The victim reaches over the deck of the rescuer and
grabs the far side of the cockpit rim of his/her own boat.  Next, like
curling a barbell, begin to lift and lean back, pivoting on your elbows.
As the water begins to flow out of the boat it will lighten and
eventually the victim will be able to empty it enough to get back in. 
It's the only way I know of to empty a swamped (lost hatch cover, blown
bow or stern bag etc.) that I know of.  If the kayak is floating
vertically it may be necessary for the victim, while holding on with one
hand to the rescuers boat, to reach under water to grab the swamped
boats cockpit rim in order to get the boat into position for the rescue. 

John Winskill

>Any thoughts on how to pump water out of the cockpit in rough
>seas by yourself?    I finally got to see the end of the Eco-Challenge
>with the Seals swamped out and waves breaking over the boat which
>brought the problem back to mind.

>       I have one of those grey and red pumps (I dis-remember the
>brand) and don't think it's long enough to fit down through the waist >>of
>my spray skirt and operate it with the spray skirt attached.

>> like those I paddle with, they will, before the day is out, be >>wanting
>> to try the curl themselves.  
>> 
>       I'm not familiar withthe curl off hand.  I do have a couple of
>books I have to go back over again.
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