Thanks for all the suggestions for using a kayak and other boats for water searches. The long pole for probing was something I hadn't thought of and will certainly look into and experiment. As far as inflatable kayaks, they might be easier to store on our trailer and I'll probably make one a fundraising goal in the near future; however, what we have to work with is my personal Prijon Yukon Expedition and the team's inflatable raft. Thanks again! Donna *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
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. Bruce Bruce Winterbon bwinterb_at_intranet.ca http://intranet.ca:80/~bwinterb Not only do the winners (re)write the history books, they change the rules for the next round. *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
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 -- ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 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." ----------------------------------------------------------------------- *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
> Bruce Winterbon wrote: > > > > Donna Ferron asked about using a kayak for search and rescue: > > > You might also want to consider a touring type inflatable kayak. > > 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 Look at http://www.innovakayak.com/helios.htm and http://www.innovakayak.com/testimon.htm I have a Helios380 but I use it for touring only. Cheers, -- Giuseppe Phone: +39-043255-8212 University of Udine - Department of Physics Fax: +39-043255-8222 via delle Scienze, 208 - 33100 UDINE *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
I double as a raft guide, and the company I work for uses AIRE. They have all different kinds of inflatables and are very well designed and can take a lot of abuse! > > 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. Andree *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
Ralph Diaz put forward good argumants for using an inflatable instead of a canoe. If one has, or can get, one, it may well be the best bet. However, if the budget is a problem one could advertise for a donation of an old Grumman or similar no-maintenance canoe, and have a reasonable chance of getting it, especially just after a SAR operation that's been in the media for a few days. Good-quality inflatables (i.e., reliable, as Ralph was careful to specify) are probably harder to scrounge. Bruce Bruce Winterbon bwinterb_at_intranet.ca http://intranet.ca:80/~bwinterb Carpe diem -- crastinum! *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
This archive was generated by hypermail 2.4.0 : Thu Aug 21 2025 - 16:32:52 PDT