I think that the ladder/stirrup systems have been mentioned recently, and there may be descriptions in some detail in the archives..... My wife & I each carry homemade stirrup systems that easily fit in our PFDs. Ours consist of 2 loops of 1/8" deckline, with steps made of 6" lengths of 1/2" PVC pipe. The large loop fits over the cockpit coaming, and is long enough so that its step (one of the PVC pipes) is about 6" below the bottom of the hull. The second loop of deckline threads through the first step and is long enough so that the second step is about a foot below the first. This device has worked well for us many times in practice and, more importantly, in "conditions" that were sort of rough. It has the advantage of being very quick to deploy. I have read about and seen another way to rig a stirrup which may be more stable. You thread one end of the loop around the victim's paddle shaft, then place that paddle below the two boats and perpendicular to them. Then drape the other end over the victim's boat and into the water. The victim can hoist himself up, using the stirrup, onto a very stable platform. I'm thinking that the extra step of dealing with the victim's paddle -- both setting up the stirrup and disengaging it -- may not be worth the extra stability, since we haven't experienced any problems with stability with the version I described above. Note that neither version of the stirrup is a self-rescue, although I don't see any reason they couldn't be deployed along with a well-secured paddle float outrigger. > Another item which I have seen at NRS (for rafts, ut could be modified for kayak use) is a small 2 or 3 rung ladder which is kept in a bag until needed, then hung over the side. The rungs are wide enough for whatever kayak shoes one is wearing. Perhaps this device would enable folks to more easily re-enter their kayak. Like anything else, try it in benign conditions first, then in controlled weather situations (ie, practice with help nearby). > Has anyone tried this ladder gizmo? >Regards, >Leander >leander_at_worldnet.att.net *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************Received on Fri Nov 12 1999 - 21:04:31 PST
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