[Paddlewise] Paddlefloat front deck arrangement(was ?)

Peter Osman, you said:

<snip>
>>Anyway here is the question. With large cockpit boats I've been used
to the
cowboy method so one of the rescues tried was to attach the paddlefloat
in
front of the cockpit which allowed both a paddlefloat assisted cowboy
reentry (but feet first) as well as a self rescue from the position
lying
along the stern with one leg supported on the paddle. It wasn't clear
which
was more useful, both methods seemed straightforward. Its obvious that
you
have to set the paddlefloat at the back if you don't have a solid
attachment. But if the paddle is securely fixed is there any reason not
to
position it at the front of the cockpit? All the books I've read set it
at
the back. By the way these were not rough water practice sessions as I
was
solo at the time.>>

In my Sea Kayaker article on Paddlefloat Rescues, I mentioned a front
deck arrangement I use, and one that I find easier with my small
cockpited, narrow kayak, in term of reboarding back to the sitting
position once you have bailed out. You need strong webbing or a cleat
and tie-off arrangement for it to work well. I use mine mainly for the
reenter & roll rescue, whereupon once righted and seated, I can then
attach the paddlefloat to my paddle, and set it up as an outrigger off
the front deck which is within easy reach obviously, so as to allow
reattachment of the spray skirt, which is difficult to do upside down,
or right-side up while holding onto the paddle and bracing.

If you are in difficult conditions and can't let go of the paddle
immediately once back in the kayak, you can do your R&R, then paddle to
a bit of a safe area if available, then deploy for front deck
paddlefloat outrigger. You should practice paddling your boat fully
swamped, once and awhile in rough water. The foot-pump or electric
water-pumper person has the edge here. Actually, with a bit of water in
the cockpit, it is easier to hold your "edging" position, as gravity
holds you over at the angle you are leaning.

I'm working on sending the list a place where you can see some pictures
of this and other stuff. I am also working on an article for SK on the
R&R, which will cover the front-deck method of stabilization. If my back
gets better, I'll finish it off. The bottom line? Do as you are doing,
get out and experiment, modify, and practice. Most paddlers limit
themselves way too much, and those that don't, unfortunately limit
themselves to sea kayaking's conventional norms and what they have seen
or read only. Be creative, but do think it through, and develop a number
of back-up rescue strategies that work for you, even if they don't
comply with ACA/BCU/CRCA/ or whatever rules. Did I mention having a
number of back-up rescue strategies? And oh yeah, don't let the "South
Coast Mafia" paddlers down-under make you believe there is only one way
of doing things.

BC'in Ya
Doug Lloyd (who wonders if you can use a big box jelly fish as an
outrigger support when your paddlefloat inadvertantly blows away)






***************************************************************************
PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not
to be reproduced/forwarded outside PaddleWise without author's permission
Submissions:     PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net
Subscriptions:   PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net
Website:         http://www.paddlewise.net/
***************************************************************************