Re: [Paddlewise] Decklines

Peter Carter wrote:
"No reason why decklines should not run past the cockpit if they're
properly
secured and tensioned."
Two thoughts here: First, I don't like having anything that can take the
skin off
your hand if you take a wild paddle stroke. So decklines running past
the cockpit
would need to be sufficiently inboard to avoid this risk. And, some have
theorised that if a boat breaks in two with the paddler still in the
cockpit,
it's better to have the two halves unconnected. I find it hard to
imagine this.
"The deckline can then be one continuous piece, and if it's removable,
it can be
used for other tasks in emergencies (e.g.hauling things up cliffs after
forced
landings)."
It's probably more convenient to have other line available, rather than
dismantling the decklines. The flush deck mountings on my Pittarak are
tight for
8mm line, so this would be difficult.

> "I'm not sure where in Aus Peter is, but the terminology used in Aus Canoeing
> courses is 'Wedge Rescue' and Swimmer-assisted Rescue'.
> (See<users.senet.com.au/~pcarter/rescues.html>)"

Melbourne, mate. What's in a name? The USA seems to use T rescue.
Avoiding this
is no doubt to get past the idea that the rescued boat has to be at
right angles
to the rescuers boat. One style of  T or wedge rescue, as described by
Colin
Calder on this list, has the rescuer's boat capsizing away from the
rescued boat,
and does seem to require boats at something more like a right angle.

> "Better to keep the deckline as deckline, and have separate fixtures for the
> other things."

Not sure why. Passing a few bungies under the lines doesn't seem to
interfere
with function.

> "(As for paddle floats, see the URL above.)"

I disagree with the idea that paddlefloats have no place, if that is
what is
suggested here. I don't disagree that a roll is the best rescue by far.
But,
refer to Rob Cookson's post describing the latest Norwegian stability
Trolls. One
of the three great lies could be "I've never blown a roll". Why not have
a paddle
float as a backup, and be competent at using it in various ways? Why not
have
two, and be able to stabilise a victim's boat both sides with an
outrigger setup
and tow them? Why only a roll, and re-enter and roll? What about
paddlers who
cannot roll as yet?
I imagine that dismissing paddlefloats as an option is for the purpose
of making
sure paddlers are encouraged to develop a sold roll. But let's not
reject
everything else.
Regards, PT.
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