Re: [Paddlewise] FW: Foot pumps

Dana;

I actually do find myself paddling in conditions fairly often that could
make paddlefloat and assisted rescues very difficult.  But then I
contend that many paddlers also find themselves in situations that could
become challenging and just don't know it.  The only difference with a
skilled paddler and an unskilled one is that the more skilled paddler
can paddle in safely in more extreme conditions than the unskilled.  If
I remember correctly Dana, you paddle in Florida where the water is
considerably warmer than it is here in Washington.  I have never fallen
out of nor have I bailed out of my seakayak in combat conditions. I have
fallen over however in severe conditions where an assisted rescue, not
to mention a paddlefloat rescue, would be very hard to accomplish.  I
have also had to do rescues and emergency towing (anchored rescues) in
severe conditions and I don't relish it.  If the persons being rescued
had had a re-enter and roll and the ability to empty their boats while
getting underway it would have been much much faster and much safer.  
I come from (and teach in) the school of "learn to take care of
yourself".  I am also well beyond learning how to brace better.  I am
more into actually trying some of these scenarios, learning what does
work and what doesn't and not just theorizing about them.  Anyone who
feels they can empty a boat with a hand pump in severe conditions as
well as with a foot pump is wrong. Period.  Remember, if the conditions
are bad enough that a person has been knocked over, then those
conditions are still there while they are trying to get back into and
empty their boats.  And, no matter what anyone says, it is much harder
to re-enter and empty a boat than it is to not fall over in the first
place.  I doubt there was anyone described in the book 'Deep Trouble',
for instance, who expected to be fighting for their lives while
emparking on their paddle.  Why do people persist in advocating
mediocrity?  Sure, work on your braces but also perfect your roll, both
sides, bombproof and in combat conditions and then choose whether or not
to even carry a pump, but don't suggest to people (the vast majority of
whom have never seriously challenged themselves while paddling) that
they are likely to be able to save themselves in the event of a mishap. 
It all boils down to this:  Whatever rescue system you use, practice it
in combat conditions and not just in the pool or calm water.
Also, I have had foot pumps in my boats for years and they have far less
maintainance involved with caring for them than does a hand pump.  I
have had hand pumps fail.  I have never had a footpump fail.  I have
also forgoten my hand pump before - can't be done with an installed foot
pump.
I probably wouldn't be so hot and bothered by this subject if I hadn't
have taught a number of advanced rescue/rough water rescue coarses.

John Winskill      

dldecker_at_se.mediaone.net wrote:
 
> What interest me about all these post is , How often do you find yourself
> in a situation where a hand pump used properly would not work or a buddy
> could not assist in emptying your kayak of water rather going to all the
> trouble of buying and mounting a foot pump. Do you really find your selfs fallen out of
> you kayaks that much? It would seem that if you spent the money on bracing
> lessons you would be better off. I don't mean to sound  like a party pooper
> but with proper skills and common sense
> you should not need a pump very often.
> 
> Dana
>
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