Re: [Paddlewise] Newbie's new boat trip report

From: Dave Kruger <dkruger_at_pacifier.com>
Date: Wed, 26 Apr 2000 02:22:31 -0700
In a message dated 4/26/00 4:30:10 AM, vaughan_at_jps.net writes:
> 
> << I'm working on unloading-launching-landing
> and loading without looking stupid. >>

My load/unload procedure has "matured" considerably as:

1. I have done it a lot.
2. My upper body strength has increased.

It pays to paddle a lot.

I do not use the paddle, any more, to launch, either off a low dock or off a
beach.  I used to, but a Twelve Step program of therapy directed at eliminating
my paddle shaft abuse really worked for me.  The Derek Hutchinson/Nigel Foster
Rehabilitation Center gets my strong endorsement.

On the serious side, initial placement of one foot in the cockpit to maximize
balance seems to be the critical bit.  Just off center, to the side the foot is
normally on, allows me to balance on one leg in the yak for the microsecond
needed to lower my bod into the cockpit, assisted with intense coaming
clutching.  'Course, all my boats have enormous initial stability.  I could not
use my method with a narrow boat, or one with a lot of vee in the hull.

YMMV, and may your tush end up cockpit-situated, and not water-saturated!

-- 
Dave Kruger
Astoria, OR
***************************************************************************
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 Wed Apr 26 2000 - 02:19:42 PDT

This archive was generated by hypermail 2.4.0 : Thu Aug 21 2025 - 16:30:23 PDT