Re: [Paddlewise] Instability with a flooded cockpit (and more added)

Hi Robert,

Bill Newman here.  I also have a Romany and I have not added the rigging for a
paddle float rescue.  I have a strong preference for doing a reentry paddle float
roll if I were to capsize in very rough conditions. Most of the time I have a
reliable roll on both sides, but if I miss it and bail out I am going to assume
that either something is wrong with me or the conditons and I would probably not
simply do a reentry and roll without the paddle float in that case.

I always keep my paddle on a tether, but I do not tether the paddle float to the
boat.  I prefer to just be extremely careful about attaching the float to the
paddle and I always carry a second float in case I lose the first.    Losing a
paddle float especially once it is partially inflated is very easy to do in high
winds.  I have a friend who was paddling solo and lost his paddle float during a
self rescue while about 10 miles off shore.  Fortuanately he just used his second
float!

 Once your up with a paddle float on your paddle you have a much easier time
pumping out.  I still don't like hand pumps that need two hands except for
pumping out other kayaks when I am guiding or teaching.  My Romany has a
Henderson deck pump which operates easily with one hand while I do an over the
shoulder sculling brace or brace on my paddle float with the other hand.

A foot pump is even better if you do a lot of solo paddling, and at the risk of
starting another pump debate.....an electric pump is even handier, but I
personally would never go anywhere without a hand pump backup just in case.

Robert C. Cline wrote:

> Matt:
>
> Thank you for your detailed reply.  I have had success with the paddlefloat
> rescue.  The new boat however does not (yet) have a rigging to secure the
> outrigger.  Some folks recommend not using the rigging, and I have been able
> to climb back in without it.  As conditions get rougher however, I would
> think the rigging to secure the paddle shaft would facilitate the maneuver.
>
> I've also had the unfortunate experience of loosening the spay skirt to
> hand-pump, and ended up worse than when I started because being unable to
> avoid the breaking waves.
>
> What is your opinion about carrying items in the cockpit (or sea sack) with
> you?
>
> Do you tether your paddlefloat to the paddle or to the boat?
>
> I rationalize that the best tether scenario would be to tether the float to
> the paddle, and the paddle to you.  Keep the tethers to a minimum and the
> length of the thether to a minimum.
>
>  I am presently using Eddyline paddlefloats.  They use a velcro strip that
> secures the paddle float to the paddle shaft near the blade.  The velcro has
> often come loose during self-rescue practice.  There needs to be a better
> way.
>
> Thanks again.
>
> Robert
>
> > From: Matt Broze <mkayaks_at_oz.net>
> > Date: Wed, 26 Jan 2000 01:00:23 -0800
> > To: Paddlewise <PaddleWise_at_lists.intelenet.net>
> > Subject: [Paddlewise] Instability with a flooded cockpit (and more added)
> >
> > A reenter and roll does not stabilize the kayak for pumping out afterwards
> > (like the paddle float can if the paddle is fastened to the kayak). Why not
> > learn to do both and use what is most appropriate for your situation rather
> > than embracing one and dismissing the other. I encourage paddlers to learn
> > the reenter and roll... <snip>....
>
> ***************************************************************************
> 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/
> ***************************************************************************



***************************************************************************
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/
***************************************************************************