Re: [Paddlewise] FW: Foot pumps

Tim;
I couldn't agree with you more!
John

Mattson, Timothy G wrote:
> 
> John,
> 
> I was one of the people who helped start this thread with my "how to use a
> handpump in rough conditions" message.  Some people might take that message
> to imply that I advocate re-entry methods and hand pumps over foot pumps or
> other rescues.  This isn't my position.
> 
> I don't use foot pumps, but I'm convinced they are superior to hand pumps.
> I have pumped out my boat in rough conditions with a hand pump. It works,
> but it was not easy.   In fact, it was dammed hard.  I would have loved to
> have a foot pump.  But for now, I'm stuck with hand pumps.  I have three
> different sea kayaks and I can't afford a foot pump in each boat.
> Furthermore, one of my boats is a folding boat (a Khatsalano) and can't be
> used with a foot pump.  So I by necessity need a hand pump.  This need will
> decrease over time as I install foot pumps in my ocean going sea kayaks, but
> the need for hand pumps will never completely go away.
> 
> All of this pump talk is interesting, but I want to emphasize that I have
> NEVER used a pump in a combat situation.  I have "bomb-proof" rolls on both
> sides.  I practice my rolls in pools once and sometimes twice per week.  I
> practice my rolls everytime I paddle in relatively non-polluted water.  I
> enjoy rolling and consider it one of the fun things to do in a kayak.
> 
> So when it comes to pumps, there is no doubt in my mind that the best
> strategy with regard to pumps is to never need them.
> 
> My position is quite clear:: if you paddle a sea kayak, you owe it to
> yourself  to learn and practice bracing and rolling.  Unless (1) physical
> limiations prevent it,  (2) your boat is for all practicle purposes
> un-rollable, or (3) you don't paddle often enough to keep rolling skills up
> to par; rolling beats every rescue in the book and should be one's primary
> method for recovering from a capsize.
> 
> --Tim
***************************************************************************
PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List
Submissions:     paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net
Subscriptions:   paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net
Website:         http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/
***************************************************************************