[Paddlewise] Pool Sessions

Doug;
There are several types of "sling rescues", some easy and some requiring
more strength.  The one most appropriate for the type of person you
described is as follows (it may be that you have tried this one already,
though I have never had anyone who couldn't get back into their boat
using it):

Have the victim assist in placing their own paddle perpendicular to and
under both their own and the rescuers kayaks in the area of the two
boats cockpits. (It's important that they use their own paddle and that
it be a stout one ie. a Werner fiberglass - you don't want them to break
your carbon-fiber shaft)
Next, using a pre-measured, cut, and tied sling, (This, like the stout
paddle, is the real responsibility of the victim.  Knowing their
limitations they in turn need to have on hand the materials they
require.) thread the loop around the paddle shaft and through itself so
that the free end can be brought up between the boats and looped around
the victims coaming with the remainder of the loop falling into the
water on the outboard side of the victims boat.  [It works just as well,
if you like, to attach the sling to the paddle prior to sliding it under
the boats.]   At this point the sling rescue proceeds in the normal
manner.  The great advantage of this technique is that the victim can
literally stand straight up without using the upper body at all.  The
paddle under the boats stabalizes them both during the rescue.  It is
therefore also a handy rescue to use in the event of a shoulder injury
for yourself or a friend.
Note:  I always carry a sling with me when I paddle.  Mine is adjustable
using two "hangman's style" slip knots.  This way it can be used to
rescue people who have varying boat sizes, body types etc.  Because I
can roll a number of different ways I don't neccessarily have myself in
mind when I carry it, but you just never know.  Also, it might be worth
while, if the sling is this womans primary rescue strategy, for her to
carry a fairly stout and easy to use piece of line(1/2 or 5/8 inch). 
The one I carry is only about 3/16 of an inch in diameter so that I can
carry it in my vest pocket.
I hope this helps.  If you already have experience with this rescue then
perhaps it will be of value to someone else on the list.

John Winskill 

Doug Lloyd wrote:
> 
> My club is having a pool session here in Victoria this weekend. The last
> one, we had a number of very large women who had difficulty doing self
> rescue AND assisted rescues. Alas, they were told to definetly not solo
> paddle, and on group trips, stay within swimming distance of shore. Does
> anyone have any ideas. We tried the stirrup meathod, which gave the
> mid-range weighted ladies a "leg-up", but I hate to see the heavier ladies
> curtailed so much from paddling. This is a serious question, asked by the
> ladies themselves, so please, no super silly remarks, just some constructive
> advice. PS We have one large fellow who HAS upper body strength, and still
> is having difficulties.
> 
> Doug Lloyd
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