Re: [Paddlewise] paddlefloat/outrigger rescue

Hello again, this is Jan writing. Roger has been very busy on the email
while I was away from this part of the computer. In very brief snips here
are a couple of questions I would like to respond to:

----- Original Message -----
From: Bhansen97_at_aol.com "Roger - or Jan - I noticed that after capsize you
and your students use
hand-held pumps. I need some good advice on how to make that work in rough
conditions. "

Matt Broze
http://www.marinerkayaks.com "My experience is that it is difficult to
reattach the spraydeck (usually a
two hand job) while trying to hold the paddle down across the cockpit (and
in your way fastening the deck too) with ones elbows or hunched over the
paddle."

I say: Sprayskirt attachment is a two handed job but the hands can be used
one at a time. Hunch over your paddle, pin it onto the coaming with your
right elbow and rib cage, then use your left hand to reach back and put the
back left edge of your sprayskirt onto your coaming,  get that corner down.

After that pin the paddle shaft with your left elbow and rib cage against
the coaming and reach around with the right to secure the right corner.

Double check the left corner by switching hands, so that you know you are on
in back, then pop the front with one hand.

End with the side away from the paddlefloat, so only one side is attached at
first. Slide the pump down the side that the paddlefloat is on so that you
can lean toward that side and pump.

Since one hand will be on the paddle shaft the lower part of the pump will
need to be held down in some way so that the lonely other hand can use the
pump handle. Depending on which side of your leg the pump shaft goes on,
either pin it between your legs or pin it against the side of the coaming
with the outside of your thigh. This will vary from person to person and
sometimes for the same person, boat to boat.

Don't worry about getting all of the water out in rough water, getting down
to the last inch should get you enough stability to put your pump and
paddlefloat away and get started paddling again. If you are not stable
enough to paddle, just leave that support float out and get on your radio
for help.

It is interesting that people are discussing the limitations for paddlefloat
rescue for rough water. If it doesn't work for you in a practice, make sure
that you develop some kind of reliable solo rescue. Its not about how good
the paddle float rescue technique is, it is about individual limitations,
knowing them and being prudent.

I notice that Roger has been busy with some other discussions related to
rescues, balance, philosophies, and the ACA. I would like to keep my end of
the discussion down to techniques and let Roger handle the prioritizing
rescues and discussing his perspective and philosophy on the ACA. Hopefully,
we'll figure out a way to separate our names on the email to reduce the
confusion.

Best wishes,
Jan of
Roger Schumann & Jan Shriner
Eskape Sea Kayaking
831-427-2297
www.eskapekayak.com

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