[Paddlewise] To PFD or not to PFD - this is the queston...

Hi.  I've just written - and deleted - a far too long post on this 
issue of wearing/not wearing, and/or removing a PFD while in surf.  
I'll try to make this one much shorter (I need to go to sound-byte 
school)...

I too, am an avid bodysurfer, having spent much of my time during my 
college years in So. California surf (The Wedge - at Newport 
Beach/Balboa, and various other places).  I too, prefer to swim in 
surf without a PFD, for the reasons mentioned by Scott and Dave.  

By the way, to the other women on the list:  Even in warm water 
bodysurfing situations, when a wetsuit may not be necessary,  I do 
recommend a *one piece* bathing suit (ask  me how I know this :-)).

And Steve asked:

>"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?"

If they're not comfortable in the surf, whether they can hold on to 
the boat or not, I'll *not* suggest they remove the PFD.  It may be a 
bumpy ride to shore, but they'll most likely survive.  Also, 
depending on how large the swell is, and how close to shore you are, 
it's a good idea to sometimes check the depth, as I've often seen 
exhausted swimmers, frantically swimming, not aware that they could 
simply stand up and walk the rest of the way in.

I do feel it's important though, for a kayak surfer to be comfortable 
with surf swimming (and even bodysurfing).  If one is not yet 
comfortable (or at least familiar) with these, I feel it's useful to 
practice them before paddling in surf situations.  

There are other issues we have to consider as well when we're in the 
surf with our boats (besides ourselves and our boats).  Other 
swimmers, surfers, and boaters.  If at all possible, and especially 
when there are other people in the water, it's important for us to 
not allow our boats to go tumbling freely in the surf, as they could 
do serious damage to another person's well-being.  This, of course, 
makes us deal with surf differently than if we were just ourselves, 
without a boat.  And of course, don't forget the helmet.

A little aside here, from my bodysurfing experiences:  As backup 
safety equipment for offshore paddling, I'll take along a pair of 
swim fins.  If I find myself in an extended swim scenario, these 
could help get me to where I'm going a lot faster (especially if I 
have to swim against any current).

Melissa
(well, it was long, but much shorter than the first one!)

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