[Paddlewise] wet exit? why?

I recently read an article by John Heath that explains how lethal
it is for the Inuit people to get out of their kayaks (wet exit), and
how ironic it is that the first thing that it is tought to sea kayaking
beginners is the wet exit. The same article has some statistics that
show that in almost all fatalities the kayaker is found (if found) out
of the kayak.

There are two ways to remain in the kayak after a capsize without
rolling. 

The first on is to grab an inflated or solid paddlefloat that
one carries in the aft deck and put it behind your neck; that keeps
your head comfortably out of the water while inside the kayak.

The second method is to use a dog swimming stroke to take a breath
every two strokes. This second method is the same one used to 
retrieve a paddle that has fallen away from the kayak. It takes
about four sessions of practice to learn how to swim that way without
getting exhausted and conserving energy.

Neither of the two skills explained above is tought at any sea kayaking
class around here, beginning or advanced.

I suggest that those of you who are serious about sea kayaking start
practicing those two skills to the point where you can wait for rescue several
minutes until you get bored.

Another skill I suggest that serious paddlers should practice is to
roll with a float (an inflated or solid paddlefloat are good), and make
that roll your 100% bomb proof roll. Not only that would allow you
to say good bye to wet exits, but would make it much easier for you
to learn the paddle rolls, also known as eskimo rolls.

- Julio
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