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. *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
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