[Paddlewise] Self-Rescue: How to Re-Enter / How to Pump Out?

Clyde says: 
> if I can >  get back in the boat, there won't be enough hands to operate a 
manual pump
>  and stay upright.  (I paddle solo most of the time). (snip) Why does the 
entire industry seem to >  perpetuate this myth?  All of the instruction 
books include paddle float
>  rescues.  Do they also state it's useless?  I doubt it.  Why does Sea
>  Kayaker magazine ... write articles about it?  Why is the paddle float 
rescue taught in
>  kayaking clasess?

Colin says:  Paddlefloats aren't used in the UK and the few folk I know that 
carry one do so with the conviction that they would maybe be the last resort 
aid to a re-enter roll, definitely not for the fix your paddle to your boat - 
climb back in - pump out with both hands

Hold on, folks, there are really two questions here: the best way to 
re-enter/get upright and the best way to pump out.

There's an emerging consensus that foot-operated or electric pumps are 
superior because they allow the kayaker to brace and get moving while the 
water drains out.  Some would say that reliance on a hand pump is dangerous 
for the solo paddler.

But this does not relate to the usefulness of the paddle float.  Re-entering 
the boat under water, then rolling up with the cockpit half-full of water, is 
elegant in that it does not require the extra item (the float) and the time 
required to rig it.  But won't using the float make that roll more reliable, 
in fact more do-able for many people?  Some can roll up using a paddle float 
with no paddle.  And some people have had success re-entering an upright 
kayak braced with a paddle and float as an outrigger, even in severe 
conditions.  Given the light weight and low cost of paddle floats, I see 
little reason to not carry one.  The only downside I see is the time it takes 
to rig on the paddle.  As always, practice is needed.

Now about those foot and electric pumps, how about U.S. sources and prices?
I surveyed a few New England kayak dealers, got zero "We got that" and bonus 
helpings of "Hand pumps are fine, everybody uses them, how long have you been 
paddling?" 

The Bosworth foot pumps mentioned by Jack Martin include the Model 400-S, 
about 1.5 lbs., list price $52.60.  Be sure to specify the  'Direct Action 
Foot/Hand Spring Return'  not Lever Action.  Bosworth offers a comprehensive 
selection of fittings, valves, and even a choice of diaphragm material. (Buna 
N®, Neoprene®, Viton®, or Silicone EPDM -- Any opinions on that choice, Oh 
Tech Gods?)    (
Bosworth will sell direct, but suggested I go to a dealer for a discount.  
West Marine sell them on order for $42.99; friendly service from John at the 
Peabody MA store, 978-535-7332.   This is _much_ less money than the 
Henderson/Chimps.  Anyone own one or seen one?

But installation of a foot pump still sounds like drilling holes in 
bulkheads, finding foam, messing around with fiberglass or other sticky 
compounds, and I am as lazy as anything.  And difficult to adjust for 
different leg lengths.  

I still like the electric pump.  Plunk it down next to the day bag.  Use it 
on different boats, with a hose clamp to the outlet hose.  I'm also as poor 
as anything, and I see a 12-volt Rule 360 at West Marine for $12.  What I 
haven't seen is a pump with motor and battery sealed in one unit available in 
the U.S.  No luck searching for Allford or Atwood so far.   I far prefer the 
one-piece idea, and hope I can buy one somewhere in this hemisphere.  Any US 
users?  

As for installing a waterproof deck switch and wiring, this also sounds like 
work.  My plan would be to turn the pump on at the unit, then enter the 
cockpit.  Turn it off on shore, in calm water, or whatever....

 
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