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

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Robert C. Cline [mailto:rccline_at_swbell.net]
> Sent: Wednesday, January 26, 2000 12:09 PM
> To: PaddleWise_at_lists.intelenet.net
> Cc: Matt Broze
> Subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Instability with a flooded cockpit (and more
> added)
>
>
> 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.

You need the rigging to stabilize the kayak while you pump out (as well as
making entry easier, especially when it is rough).
>
> 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.

In breakers don't use the rigging so you can disassemble things quickly.
Once in the kayak don't pump until you have paddled (and braced) the now
tippier kayak out of the area of breakers. You can probably do this without
removing the paddlefloat from the blade so you will have it to brace on.
Then depending on how rough things are I'd either try setting up the paddle
float to the kayak to pump out (through the waist hole) or just pump if I
was stable enough holding the paddle down with my elbow while I pumped.
>
> What is your opinion about carrying items in the cockpit (or sea
> sack) with
> you?
>
I often carry a my camera and some gear I want handy in a Mariner Rescue
Float Plus (it can roll closed and be a dry sack too—as well as a back up
for my dedicated rescue float) between my knees in the sea sock. If I was
going to bail out upside down I would probably grab it after removing the
sprayskirt just to make sure my camera didn't get lost (or have any chance
of entrapping my feet). If there is a strong likely hood of capsize, such as
if I was about to enter the surf zone, I shove it up forward of the
footpedals with my feet.

> Do you tether your paddlefloat to the paddle or to the boat?

To the boat using a shock cord and clip that stretches enough to let me
tether it in advance and never remove the tether. For more details on this
read the manual on “Rescue Float” on our website.
>
> 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 tether to a minimum.

I tether both to the boat with shock cord on the theory that if I can hang
onto the boat or the paddle I will have all three. Saving just one or two of
them won't get you back in the boat and hanging on to them may encumber me
for swimming after the boat if I loose it to the wind or breakers.
>
>  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.

Our rescue Float can be secured to the paddle several ways, air pressure, a
fastex buckle, and the shock cord tether. Again see the Rescue Float Manual
on the website for details.

Matt Broze
http://www.marinerkayaks.com


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