Re: [Paddlewise] Kayaks and SAR

From: <rdiaz_at_ix.netcom.com>
Date: Thu, 08 Oct 1998 10:19:28 -0700
Bruce Winterbon wrote:
> 
> Donna Ferron asked about using a kayak for search and rescue:
> 
> I think you're much better off in your circumstances (benign water, little
> or no current) with a canoe and a double-bladed paddle. If the canoe is
> intendede for a double blade, so much the better, but it's not necessary.
> For example, if you need to land for any reason, it's much easier in a
> canoe. The double blade gives much more power than the single, but you might
> want to carry a single-bladed paddle for poking into especially small corners.


You might also want to consider a touring type inflatable kayak.  They
too can poke around in small places (they are used for sea caving by
John Grey) and they are rock stable and rugged.  It would be fairly easy
to rescue individuals on to one with no fear that a panicky victim would
capsize the thing.  They can also be packed away in back of an emergency
vehicle in a fairly small space for use when needed.  Hand pumping and
assembly takes just 10 minutes or less.  A vehicle could also operate an
electric pump through the cigarette lighter or directly from the truck's
battery.

I don't know inflatable kayaks in terms of brands, quality, performance,
etc. but they do look pretty perfect and highly versatile for the use
you are contemplating.

ralph diaz
-- 
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Ralph Diaz . . . Folding Kayaker newsletter
PO Box 0754, New York, NY 10024
Tel: 212-724-5069; E-mail: rdiaz_at_ix.netcom.com
"Where's your sea kayak?"----"It's in the bag."
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Received on Thu Oct 08 1998 - 07:20:27 PDT

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