Doug wrote: >>One method involves some complexity, but affords more control of a non-fixed system. You will require a continuous loop of rope or 1/2-inch webbing, about 12 to 15 feet - - essentially a large rescue sling. This provides a step-up if you are tired or can't get up onto the deck otherwise. A sling utilizes the large muscles of the legs, and secures the outrigger shaft firmly to the rear deck during re-boarding, as weight is applied to keep it perpendicular and in the horizontal position. It simply unravels once back in the cockpit. The main disadvantage is of course, that you are once again destabilized in choppy seas after retrieval.<< On reading Doug's post above describing using the loop of rope or webbing (I'd rather step on 1" webbing) to hold the paddle in place to stabilize the kayak and provide a step to help climb back board, I thought of something that might improve this method a lot. First I want to make it clear that this type of rescue will work best if the deck is relatively flat so the paddle shaft keys with the flat area to prevent the kayak from spinning around under it. I thought: "why not tie the webbing to the shaft so it will stabilize the boat even after you get your weight off the loop hanging into the water". It would need to be tight enough and easy to untie an remove. I played around with some webbing and wonder if this way might work. After wrapping the webbing around the shaft a few times (on the float side of the kayak) make a slip knot and pull enough through that knot so there is a double loop the same length as the single loop on the end. put the single and double loops together and step into that loop (three bands of webbing below your foot). Doug didn't say it but the length here is very critical (when you step into the loop your shin needs to rest against the side of the boat). Too long and your whole leg will swing under the kayak as you try to stand up in it (preventing you from being able to get your body over the deck). Once back aboard tighten the slip knot again to help keep the paddle float in place for pumping. To release it firmly grip the shaft and hold it down to the deck with one hand outboard of the webbing. With the other hand reach around and unslip the knot and pull the wraps off the shaft. Get the paddle in front of you again (in a way that doesn't tangle you in the webbing) and holding the float into the water (ready for a paddle float roll--as Doug described) remove the other loop from the paddle and stow it. If anyone tries this on the water before I do please report back to me (or paddlewise). Matt Broze http://www.marinerkayaks.com *************************************************************************** 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 Apr 07 2000 - 23:38:08 PDT
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