Re: [Paddlewise] Pumping more water

Clyde;
If the paddlefloat rescue is the rescue you choose to use then the most
stable use of it is to have a secure attachment (with quick release
capabilities) for the paddle/paddlefloat combination on your back deck. 
The best system I know of like this is that used by Lee Moyer of Pacific
Water Sports.  His system uses two plastic eyes, two plastic hooks and
two plastic (flat) jam cleats and a short piece of rope.  Mount the
eyes, one on each side of the boat, just behind the cockpit.  About six
inches further towards the stern mount the hooks, again, one on either
side of the deck and just a bit closer to the center of the deck.  Next,
mount the jam cleats, one on each side of the deck.  Thread the rope
through both eyes on the deck and tie a good sized knot in each end
(large enough so that it will jam in the eye without pulling through). 
To use the system lay your paddle across the deck between the eyes and
the hooks.  Drape the rope over the paddle and around the hooks.  Pull
the rope taut by yanking on the end closest to you and jam in the
nearest jam-cleat.  This will hold the paddle very securely until you
release the rope from the cleat.
An alternative method to attaching the paddle to the boat is to tuck the
paddle shaft into your lap and lean forward so that your weight holds
the shaft against the cockpit and the paddle/paddlefloat will then lay
perpendiclar to the boat.
It is possible to brace yourself using one arm and a paddle with or
without a paddlefloat but it requires a good deal of practice.  Place
your paddle, shaft extended, behind your head and then put your arm out
over the shaft.  You can either scull one-handed (no paddlefloat) or use
your paddlefloat for support.
Bailing vs. Pumping:
Pumping can be slower than bailing (we're talking about a hand pump
here) but it allows you to keep your sprayskirt attached and hence, in
rough water, it may be more safe and efficient than bailing.
John Winskill

Sisler, Clyde wrote:

>         I know how to use a paddlefloat but we're back to trying to
> stablize and pump at the same time.  In this situation the bailer,
> suggested by others, now seems much more appropiate than a pump.  I
> should be able to find someway to position the paddle and float to 
> brace with one hand/arm while bailing with the other (I hope).
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