[Paddlewise] How many backups?

This list is too silent; let us reopen one of the classical subjects.

How many backups do you have for self rescue?

Ideally, a good paddler would know how to roll on both sides.
As a first backup, he/she would grab a spare paddle, or half paddle,
from the deck and roll up with it.
As a second backup, he/she could roll up with an inflated or solid
paddlefloat after retrieving it from the deck.
A third back up would be having a solid hands roll.
A fourth back up, would be to carry a 1.5 feet PVC pipe to use as
a snorkel while awaiting for assistance.

For those without a roll I can only think of having competent partners
in every paddle.
As a second backup, a good very buoyant paddlefloat, but avoid rough seas.
As a third backup an inflatable raft. I have already evaluated the
sea seat with a D grade (see last Sea Kayaker magazine), but considering
the absence of alternative, it is better than nothing.
A fourth backup is the photograph of a beloved one.

Let me emphasize that we are talking about backups here. The first line
of defense of every paddler is to assess the conditions properly 
to stay out of trouble. Such an assessment needs to be done with care
of not falling into the risk homeostasis cycle. Please refer to
John Winters page to learn about that.

- Julio
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