Re: [Paddlewise] Paddlefloat Reentry: Back or Front?

Dave;

I have long favored the behind the paddle method of paddle float
re-entry.  In addition to other benefits it enables you to easily
re-enter your boat using a paddlefloat without having to use a system to
fasten the paddle to the boat.  Simply (if you are entering from the
left side of the boat) place the shaft of the paddle immediately behind
the cockpit and with your left hand hold onto the paddle shaft and the
cockpit coaming at the same time.  When you have lunged onto the back
deck stabilize the paddle with your left leg and then begin the process
of climbing over the paddle (using first the left leg then the right leg
and finally the right and then the left hands).  Bring the unattached
paddle forward and rest it across the coaming in front of you and rest
on it with your elbows as you pump out your boat.  [This process is made
much easier if you have a foot pump.]

John Winskill

Dave Kruger wrote:
> 
> Spent some money wisely and took a lesson from the local paddling guru,
> name of Ben.
> 
> One of Ben's variations of the paddlefloat reentry seemed better than my
> version.  I've been setting up the paddle with the shaft strapped to the
> deck just behind the cockpit, and then attacking the boat-outrigger
> system from the COCKPIT side of the outrigger, humping my upper body
> over the paddleshaft onto the back deck, inserting legs into cockpit,
> and then rotating my lower torso around to an upright position. (Dave's
> method)
> 
> Ben's method involves attacking the boat-outrigger system from the REAR
> DECK side of the outrigger, which allows looping an ankle over the shaft
> to assist in getting onto the deck.  This seemed easier.  Then, he
> rotates his body around a vertical axis to move both legs, in turn,
> across the outrigger and down into the cockpit (simultaneously his upper
> body moves over to the centerline of the rear deck).  Rotation of the
> torso around a (more or less) horizontal axis then produces an upright
> position. (Ben's method)
> 
> I'm curious.  Who favors Dave's method and who favors Ben's method?  I'm
> pretty sure I evolved my method very unsystematically, and may never
> have tried Ben's way.  I think Ben's way is now going to be MY WAY
> (apologies to the late Chairman of the Board).
> 
> --
> Dave Kruger
> Astoria, OR
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