Re: [Paddlewise] Paddle Float rescues

From: Dan Hagen <dan_at_hagen.net>
Date: Wed, 24 Feb 1999 10:25:10 -0800
Ira Adams wrote:

> To my uninformed opinion, it only makes common sense to practice being
>
> able to get back into your boat, regardless of how much of an expert
> you
> may be at rolling back up without leaving it. ...

> What could be sadder or more ironic than the loss of an expert who
> couldn't manage to get back into the boat, because they couldn't lower
>
> themselves to practicing for that contingency?

I really don't think that this is an issue. Everyone I know who can roll
has also practiced reentry--usually more so than those who rely soley on
reentry techniques. (Now isn't that ironic.) The real threat is that
someone will bail out (thinking that they can reenter) and then find
themselves in a situation where they are unable to reenter their boat,
in spite of all of their practice.  There are some conditions where a
wet exit and reentry is an "iffy" proposition, to say the least.  The
key is to avoid thinking in terms of wet exit and reentry. In some
conditions, it is a last gasp. Think roll, not reentry, and you will be
much more likely to avoid a tragic death. IMHO.

Dan Hagen

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Received on Wed Feb 24 1999 - 10:23:13 PST

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