[Paddlewise] FW: Current Info on Electri

 -----Original Message-----
From: murpho [mailto:murpho_at_webtv.net]
Sent: Wednesday, May 12, 1999 8:45 PM
To: Paddlewise
Subject: [Paddlewise] Current Info on Electric o


With all the talk of hands-free pumps it might be a good idea to mention
that the lowly old hand-held pump is good to have along too. Recently I
saw them used to pump out the rear hatch of a sinking boat (the neoprene
hatch cover was left off). During assisted rescues, other paddlers can
raft up and two or three pumps can be used at once to quickly pump out a
boat. Not to mention the nonPaddlewiser who you end up helping to put
back in his boat who doesn't own a pump. I think Derek even suggested
them for trip leaders in one of his books.

So even after I finally figure out how to get one of those hands-free
pumps into my ruddered North American barge, I'll be taking the hand
pump along anyway - despite the article I read that said it was one of
the (begin Aussie accent here) "Things I should throw away or forget."
:-)

***********************************************************

I agree. Even though we have foot pumps in our kayaks, my wife and I
also carry manual pumps, partly as backup, but mainly to help pump out
other kayaks should the need arise. My biggest problem with my manual
pump is finding a place to stow it where I can get at it in an
emergency. I prefer not to stow gear I'm not using on deck, and the
pump is too long to fit cross-ways behind my seat. I can wedge it
between the seat and the side of the boat, but I can't get it out when
I'm seated. My previous kayaks had a nylon sling for the pump under the
foredeck, but I haven't had time to make and install one in my present
kayak...

What surprises me most is people who don't carry a bilge pump of any
kind. I know two women who don't carry pumps because they figure they
can always borrow one if they need it. An interesting thing about this
attitude is that these women once went on a four-person trip together.
Suppose they were paddling apart from the men one day and one capsized?

I feel almost as strongly about carrying a spare paddle. Some clubs
require a minimum of only one spare paddle per group. If I should lose
or break a paddle, I certainly wouldn't want to have to wait around for
someone to bring me one!

Chuck Holst


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