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 NŽ, NeopreneŽ, VitonŽ, 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.... *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
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