Re: [Paddlewise] baidarka Back Support and Sp*ns*ns

Doug Lloyd wrote:

> It _does not_ have to be extreme-like conditions for a paddler to have
> problems. Over the last couple of decades, I've seen it all - paddlers
> desperately ill, due to not changing the water in their water bottle since
> their last trip; new paddlers totally in panic mode, unable to deal with
> their lack of perceived stability, then placing undue requirements on a
> partner or group (to the point where they physically will not let go of
> you, even after attempts to calm them down).
> 
> So, think it through, that's all I'm saying. Sponsons may figure into your
> equation, maybe not, but don't stick up your nose at them as an inferior
> product per say, or simply because its the "cool" thing to "run-down" on
> Paddlewise. I'll take that advice to heart, too.
> 
> BC'in Ya
> Doug Lloyd (being serious today, for once)

There is no issue that seawings or sponsons are a desirable item to have
along for use by a paddler who is injured or ill or one who has capsized
a few times and is now shaky and libel to repeatedly tip over.  That is
what was so sad about the episode a few years ago in which the maker of
them bombarded the previous listserv and other forums with his
propaganda and insistence that non having or using sponsons was an act
of baby killers (this is a shortened version of what happened).  It
is/was a good product but he did more to bury it than any opposition
would have.

Of course, if you have a boat with the sponsons already part of its
design ... :-)

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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