RE: [Paddlewise] Rescue equipment doubling as seats and toys???

At 08:13 AM 8/15/00 -0800, Seng, Dave wrote:
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Rick Sylvia [mailto:Rick.Sylvia_at_ferginc.com]
>> Sent: Tuesday, August 15, 2000 4:23 AM
  In
>keeping with the philosophy of having backups for your backup one could use
>a dual chambered paddlefloat like the one from Mariner (it's great! - I'll
>take that .02 discount on my next kayak Matt<grin>) or carry a second
>paddlefloat.  I like the dual chamber design - inflating just one side works
>for me.

I've had my dual chambered paddlefloat (a Perception, I think) for a few
years now and a few weeks ago I noticed the valve on one side leaks so all
I can really do is inflate one side. I'm going to replace it, but on the
last couple of lessons I've used it as a tool to demonstrate how much
bouyancy even a half inflated paddlefloat will provide before they attempt
their first solo paddlefloat reentry.  I'll blow up the good side and then
lean over onto it until I'm lying in the water next to the boat.  Then I'll
let go with one hand so that the shaft is sitting on the side of the boat
to show how much support the float gives.  When a student tries to do a
paddlefloat reentry for the first time and falls in, it's almost always
because they took their weight off the paddlefloat and they fall over the
other side demonstrating the infamous yellow rainbow.  Hopefully,
demonstrating how much bouyancy the float will provide, even half way
inflated, will give them confidence in the float and they'll keep their
weight on it.


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