RE: [Paddlewise] Drogues and Separation from Kayak

From: Dave Williams <paddler_at_loxinfo.co.th>
Date: Wed, 4 Aug 1999 11:15:02 +0700
Hi Peter,

Peter wrote, "Regarding methods for preventing separation from your boat
during a capsize in heavy seas/wind -
Is it principally wind that causes such separation or can wave action and
currents do this also?
A paddling mate has suggested tethering a drogue to the kayak and then
attaching the drogue to your PFD using velcro. The idea is that if you fall
out of the kayak the drogue automatically deploys and stops the kayak
drifting away."

What if it does work and the kayak stays put, but you drift away :-)

It might make a good experiment.  The one thing you must have is strong
paddling partners who can rescue you and recover your boat if it doesn't
work.  Also, make sure you have a sharp knife in case you somehow get
tangled in the cords.

Julio wrote, "Breaking waves can certainly separate you from your boat.  A
current would only separate you from your boat if you and your boat are on
different sides of a tide rip."

Julio, do you think the drogue would deploy properly in breaking waves?
I've never used one.  I'd like to know more about them.

Cheers,
Dave

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Received on Tue Aug 03 1999 - 21:12:14 PDT

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