Re: [Paddlewise] Tangled Up In Blue & Solo Paddling

From: <rdiaz_at_ix.netcom.com>
Date: Tue, 14 Sep 1999 08:34:45 -0700
Robert Woodard wrote:
> 
> Doug L wrote:
> 
> > The 3 foot bungy line that Matt Broze describes on his web sight works
> > well, and does double duty as a paddle float rescue tether. Of the systems
> 
> This is the type paddle leash I used to carry with me. I still carry it
> coiled up on my deck if there is a slight chance conditions might turn bad.
> I used to attach it religiously every time I went out, but found I was often
> stumbling over it as I tried to enter/exit the kayak. Mine is a commercial
> version with the velcro, so this talk about how poorly velcro performs when
> the you know what hits the fan has me rethinking its usefulness.


I have read with great interest how some paddlers have the paddle tether
handy but don't employ it.  I tend to use my paddle leash (connected to
a deck D-ring) all of the time, mainly because I do paddle solo a lot
and fear losing my paddle.  It resides on my paddle and weighs next to
nothing and does not get in the way in any way.

It is hardly ever not connected.  For example, if I am launching from a
dock, the paddle is tethered to the D-ring before I get; the paddle
rests on the dock parallel to my boat's direction and enough away from
the cockpit not to get in my way.  I tend hardly ever to use the paddle
behind my back routine for entering my boat.  The paddle on the dock
laid parallel to my boat's direction acts as a dock fixture to provide
extra insurance that my boat won't quickly slip out from under me as I
enter; i.e. if I am not getting in well and need to get back up on the
dock to adjust myself better, my boat won't stray.  I do the same when
exiting the boat, most of the time.

All of this depends on the height of the dock and how much it is
bouncing with wakes and wind waves.  You haven't lived until you have
tried scampering up on a two foot high dock that is bucking like a sea
serpent!

ralph



-- 
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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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Received on Tue Sep 14 1999 - 06:07:02 PDT

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