Re: [Paddlewise] How Would You: Change to. . . .PFD

On Sat, 19 Aug 2000, Dave Kruger wrote:

> Sigh.  We have indeed been through this before.  Scott and I both feel that an
> **experienced** body surfer/surf swimmer is impeded by a PFD, and for the
> reason he states ....
> 
> I suggest that before anybody rails against Scott's assertion that a PFD in
> surf is a liability for an experienced surfer, they *do* a few tens of hours of
> swimming in 6-8 foot surf 

Dave, why the sigh? I haven't seen any "railing." Lighten up a little.

I'm not a body surfer/swimmer, so I accept your opinion as to how to do
it. My question was for paddlers, not swimmers.
> 
> It might be useful for us to find out what the bulk of kayak surfers wear: 
> PFD or no PFD.  

Indeed, that is the question. Surfers, how about it? A little more
broadly, if you are, perhaps of necessity, attempting a surf landing with
someone who may flip and swim, do you tell him to take off his PFD?

> 
> Note:  1. I am *not* claiming that a PFD should be avoided in WW.  I have no
> experience as a WW kayaker or WW swimmer.  

Swimming in WW is hard enough for me with a PFD. I wouldn't want to try it
without one.

> 2. In all of the sea kayaking I do, I *always* wear the PFD.  

Me, too.

> I do not kayak in surf.  Too old and treacherous.

The surf is or you are? ;)

Steve


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