Re: [Paddlewise] Self Rescue Practicein Kleppers

A couple of thoughts:

--The two Peters mentioned the possibility of tow lines getting tangled
at the rear of the towing boat.  Klepper for years has maintained that
the flexible flag post that comes with each boat would make a good
run-through point to avoid that.

For the Klepper-deprived masses, Kleppers have a flag post about 8-10
inches high that screws into a threaded hole in the rudder support
bracket.  Apparently in international European travel along waters like
the Danube, you are supposed to be flying a national flag.  The flag
post has a spring-flexible base.  Supposedly, you tie a loop of line
through the small hole provided for the flag tie and run the tow line
through it.  It keeps the tow line above and away from the rudder and
also avoides the line wrapping around the stern as it sometimes can.  I
have never tried this use of the flag post.

--I am surprised at the thought of tethering one's self to your boat
instead of tethering the paddle or you to your paddle, which are more
common approaches to tethering.  Interesting that it works.

You used a coiled surfboard leash; I am glad to see it did not entangle
you.  The same is true for the coiled jetski cutoff switch leash I use
to tether my paddle to the boat.  I have had one guru go into a near
rage when he saw my jetski-origin tether saying it would entangle me but
it hasn't.  I think sturdy, coiled tethers are far superior to the
bungee cord or regular cord tether...they keep out of the way because
they are coiled.  And even if one gets around your wrist by accident it
will neither knot up tight on you (like would cord) or stretch to a
binding grip on you as might bungee tethers.

--The two piece spraydeck/skirt arrangement on Kleppers can be
problematic to re-enter in the singles.  The cockpit hole in the
spraydeck is small and flexible and so it takes practice to re-enter. 
It isn't as much of a problem in the double because two people are
involved in the self rescue.  The single is more conducive to a paddle
float rescue when that type spraydeck/skirt is used but you could still
do the cowboy rescue approach.  The key is to just sit on the material
on the back of the spraydeck while you are getting your legs in; it
won't tear or pull free as it is anchored down quite well.  Take
advantage of the flexibility of the cockpit hole in the spraydeck when
you try to re-enter.  Don't forget that you can raise the front side
with the tip of a foot to change the hole's configuration from
flat/horizontal to an opening with the front end pitched upward so that
it resembles the cockpit on some of the Greenland boats which have the
front higher than the back.

Thanks for going through the efforts of checking out how things work in
6 foot seas and chop.  As for seasickness, lay off of the Foster's and
bangers prior to going out practicing :-). 

ralph diaz
-- 
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Ralph Diaz . . . Folding Kayaker newsletter
PO Box 0754, New York, NY 10024
Tel: 212-724-5069; E-mail: rdiaz_at_ix.netcom.com
"Where's your sea kayak?"----"It's in the bag."
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