RE: [Paddlewise] re-enter & roll, what works for me.

> From: John Bartlett [mailto:bartlett_at_camosun.bc.ca]

snip 
> 
> On capsizing:
> 1. grab paddle and painter

Good idea - the two things you never ever want to let go of.

> 2. secure paddle under bungee or strap behind seat

I prefer to hang onto my paddle - especially in rough water.  Securing the
paddle (and having it stay secure) can waste time that could be better spent
getting out of the water immediately.

> 3. take an orange garbage bag from pfd, inflate by waving in wind

Here's where you lost me.  The question that came to my mind is why?  If
inflating a paddle float that will fit tightly on the paddle blade is too
difficult, why not use a foam float?  Or partially inflate the paddlefloat
while on shore before departing so that it only takes a few puffs to finish
it off.

> 4. allow a few litres of water to enter bag (for ballast) and 
> tie bag's
> neck around paddle

Seems like a lot of work to get this bag secured.  I don't think you'll
really need water in the bag as ballast.  You'll be putting plenty of weight
on it when you get up on it.

> 5. slide aboard and lean on bag side of boat for stability 
> while bailing
> or pumping 

This works. 

The whole thing could probably work, I'd just advise trying it out several
times before you place any confidence in it (that goes for any self rescue
technique!).  Do it first in calm conditions and work up to conditions that
might really cause you to flip that folbot.

Dave Seng
Juneau, Alaska
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