RE: [Paddlewise] It could happen to you...

Pretty scary story.  Glad Paul made it back ok.

> > 2) no paddlefloat, which prevented re-entry once it was calm
> > enough to do so
> 
> >From what you said to me, you have not practiced using a paddlefloat
> anyway.  Believe me, it requires practice.  It amazes me the number of
> people who have paddlefloats decorating the rear decks of their boats
> (along with bilge pumps which are harder to use than people realize if
> a
> 
	[>]  One thing I'm going to start carrying is a sling to help
hoist myself up over the cockpit.  In conditions such as Paul described,
it will require less effort and you'll expend less energy in getting
into position to use the paddle float.  Who knows, he 'may' have made it
with one more try.

	A sling might be 8-10 feet of half inch line.  With the paddle
across the back of the cockpit, I'm going to put a loop in the line
large enough to slide over the paddle blade on the far side.  The line
will then come back under the boat and just loop around the paddle shaft
on the near side.  A second loop, large enough for the foot will then be
made about a foot and a half to two feet from the shaft.  I may add a
piece of PVC piping or some such thing to make an actual stirrup type
foot rest to help keep the lines separated and make it easier to get my
foot into.

	I will then put the foot fartherest from the paddle into the
stirrup as if I was mounting a horse, and just lift myself up with that
leg.  Much better than thrashing about, trying to kick and pull myself
up.  Using the fartherest leg will allow me to support and steady myself
with that leg while I situate and balance myself across the cockpit and
get my other leg over the paddle and float.

	Derek Hutchinson's book has something similar being used in an
assisted rescue.

	I'll probably store the sling inside or wrapped by the paddle
float itself so the two will always be there.

	(BTW: Both Derek and Nigel Foster will be at the Atlantic Coast
Sea Kayak Symposium next weekend.  I'll have a report when I get back).

> cockpit is very filled with water).  You should practice both self and
> group rescues, starting first with calm water and walk thoughs on
> land. 
> Then trying it under the stress of waves.  For the latter you need not
> go out into a storm.  There are spots almost anywhere where you can 
> 
	[>]  I live an hour plus from the nearest waves so when I get
near them, I'd rather paddle than practice.  I'm headed up into Maine
again tomorrow for 5-6 days and will definately be looking for a place
to practice in rougher waters.  I think 1-2 foot chop with the wind
blowing towards shore is what I need.

> Remember the survival axiom:  IF YOU DON'T HAVE IT ON YOU, YOU DON'T
> HAVE IT!
> 
	[>]  Seems to me you'd need a backpack for all that stuff.  If
you carry it in the pockets and have to do a self rescue it'll be in the
way.  Same thing with a bunch of stuff on the back deck.  One practice
session (edging, not rescue) I had to get the pump off the back deck
before I could do a rescue.  I've also got my spare breakdown paddle
back there and often a rolled up coat, camera bag, etc.

	My blanket, emergency tent, food, water, clothes, etc. are in
the stern hatch.  My current feeling is they are for unexpected
conditions forcing an overnighter on an island somewhere.  Of course I
don't plan on passages any more than a couple of miles.  First aid,
flares, etc. go in a dry bag jammed up in front of the foot rests.  


> > 9)Tether the bilge pump in. I nearly lost it three times.
> 
> That is a good idea.  But again one more line to catch and entrap you.
> 
	[>]  Hmmm, maybe 3-4 feet of twine stored wrapped around the
pump with a little 'beener on the end for quick securing?

> Very important point, Paul.  I recently was with someone who went over
> in hairy conditions among pier pilings and swift moving waters.  Her
> PFD
> was riding up so high that her chin was down at the zipper!
>  
	[>]  I have a Lotus 'something' that zips on the side and
really, really sucks.  With it zipped and buckled, it rides up on my
chin as I paddle so I buckle it but don't zip it.  In the water it still
rides up.  

	This month's budget includes a Lotus Rio Grande if NOC has them
in yellow or a yellow Strait Jacket if they don't.
>  
> BTW, Paul.  Don't knock yourself on this.  You are not the only one on
> 
	[>]  Yeah, Paul.  Wait till I've been paddling for six years
like you.  I'll have so many horror stories people will wonder how they
can let be out by myself.

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