Hi all, I'm new to Kayaking, and was delighted to come upon this lively and articulate group. Allow me to introduce myself and ask a typical beginner's question. I'm presently residing in the majestic wastelands outside of Houston Texas. Now, Houston is a tough town to love, especially during these long helltime months, um, sorry, "summertime" months. I grew up in New England and the Northwest, so Houston takes some adjustment. Hot, flat, boring, hot, flat, boring... Did I mention hot? As for water, the Gulf of Mexico reminds me of nothing other than thousands of miles of dirty dishwater in every direction. The rivers here are mostly murky mucky ditches, seething with nameless biomass of dubious distinction. (Hey, let's all go swimming! (When I used to windsurf in the Gulf I frequently got ear and skin infections)). The nearest publicly accessible lake is almost 60 miles from where I live. (Note that I intend no offense to loyal Texans, who are a great bunch of folks, I'm just a transplanted yankee whiner.) Anyway, in a pathetic effort to relieve my annual Houston summertime blues I picked up a used Dagger "Seeker" touring kayak a couple of weeks ago. (last year at this time I rode my motorcycle from Houston to Inuvik (north of the Arctic circle) and back, ...sigh...). Last weekend I went up to one of the few lakes within a couple hours drive (only an $8 admision fee, ...sigh...) and paddled around in the hot turgid water for a few hours, admiring the view of the triple smokestack powerplant on the far shore. The water was very clear for around here, with visibility almost 2 feet. I didn't even mind touching it too much. I had a great time exploring the coves and crannies of this little man-made lake. I saw great birds (all sorts of cranes and buzzards) and some deer along the shore of the spooky flooded forests. Here's my question: What is the best way to get back into a flooded kayak after capsizing? (no skirt). On this, (my second kayak trip actually), while swatting at a large (stinging?) insect that had landed on the back of my neck (big mistake!) I suddenly found myself upside down in the tepid water. Whoops. I didn't have my splash skirt on, or my PFD (too hot, strong swimmer, too hot, please don't lecture me). I was only about twenty feet from "shore" when this happened, but "shore" consisted only of huge reeds, with no way to water shallower than about waist/chest deep. The bottom consisted of gooey deep black mud with thick scratchy green weeds floating over it. Yuck and Ouch. I spent a long time trying to get back into the boat. (I wish I had a movie of my zany escapades for one of those funniest home video shows). I finally settled for just sitting on the back of the boat, straddling it with my legs like an old log, and carefully paddling a half a mile along the shore until I came across a place where the water was knee deep with a firm bottom and I could get back in the cockpit properly. I know there's got to be a better way. Any advice? Thanks! Tom Meagher Katy TX (deep in the heart of Texas (parenthetically and pedantically speaking (so sorry!))) *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
>I spent a long time trying to get back into the boat. (I wish I had a movie >of my zany escapades for one of those funniest home video shows). >I know there's got to be a better way. Any advice? >Thanks! >Tom Meagher >Katy TX (deep in the heart of Texas (parenthetically and pedantically >speaking (so sorry!))) Tom: Cotton Mouth's are very common poisonous snakes in Texas waters and I would imagine give you more than ample and here to fore unimaginable ways of getting out of that murky water and "ONTO" if not into your boat. In all seriousness, there are better folks on the list to tell you how to do a paddle float rescue or re-enter and roll, etc. Get some lessons, pick up one of the many good books available on sea kayaking and practice. And remember: Never ask anyone where they are from. If they are from Texas they will tell you. Otherwise, you don't want to embarrass them. Fred California Kayaker (Raised in the country in N. Central Texas. Closest water - Wind Mill. Please don't tell anyone - they don't know I'm from Texas. I don't want Yall to shun me.) *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
Fred T, CA Kayaker wrote: > > And remember: Never ask anyone where they are from. If they are from > Texas they will tell you. Otherwise, you don't want to embarrass them. > > Fred > California Kayaker > (Raised in the country in N. Central Texas. Closest water - Wind > Mill. Please don't tell anyone - they don't know I'm from Texas. I don't > want Yall to shun me.) Don't mess with Texas. Our web school marm, Jackie Fenton, is from several generations of Texans. Texas is a hotbed of sea kayaking (well hot anyway). My understanding of coastal waters is that you have to go out quite aways before you have enough water under your keel to float. So you tucker out from walking well before you get to start paddling. But the good news is that you won't get water in over the top of your cowboy boots. Also Texans paddle with sprayskirts made of mosquito netting. The bugs are so numerous that they form a barrier that keeps sea spray out but allows body vapors to pass through. It is a patented breathable waterproof process called Critter-TEX; for obvious reasons, Texans are not allowed to use GORE-tex. Don't mind me. There were 12 murders on my block this morning and I am procrastinating from cleaning up the mess before I go to the Downtown Boathouse this morning to sweep out all the floating condoms (probably left over from the 4th use; I don't mean in terms of uses for a condom discussed in Paddlewise recently; I mean _used_ four times) and floating needles in the embayment before the annual Regatta. Besides I can't seem to find my AK-47 that I will need for the subway ride down there. ralph diaz -- ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Ralph Diaz . . . Folding Kayaker newsletter PO Box 0754, New York, NY 10024 Tel: 212-724-5069; E-mail: rdiaz_at_ix.netcom.com "Where's your sea kayak?"----"It's in the bag." ----------------------------------------------------------------------- *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
Fred, Thanks for the word up. It definitely crossed my mind as I was performing my antics in the swampy water, whether or not I was going to attract the attention of a poisonous snake. However, I would imagine that, like rattlers, they seldom actually go after humans and attack them(?). The biggest threat would likely be stepping on one or disturbing it while it was napping. I was wondering what other creatures/bugs were lurking in the weeds, but none bothered me. Perversely, I remember swimming in sparkling, (freezing cold) crystal clear mountain lakes in Washington state in my youth and contracting "swimmers itch" parasites. go figure. Texas Tommy ----- Original Message ----- From: "Fred T, CA Kayaker" <cakayak_at_mindspring.com> To: "Tom Meagher" <tmeagher_at_netropolis.net>; <PaddleWise_at_paddlewise.net> Sent: Saturday, August 19, 2000 8:15 AM Subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Cretins and Sad Mutations...& Cotton Mouth's > >I spent a long time trying to get back into the boat. (I wish I had a movie > >of my zany escapades for one of those funniest home video shows). > >I know there's got to be a better way. Any advice? > >Thanks! > >Tom Meagher > >Katy TX (deep in the heart of Texas (parenthetically and pedantically > >speaking (so sorry!))) > > Tom: > Cotton Mouth's are very common poisonous snakes in Texas waters and I would > imagine give you more than ample and here to fore unimaginable ways of > getting out of that murky water and "ONTO" if not into your boat. > > In all seriousness, there are better folks on the list to tell you how to > do a paddle float rescue or re-enter and roll, etc. Get some lessons, pick > up one of the many good books available on sea kayaking and practice. > > And remember: Never ask anyone where they are from. If they are from > Texas they will tell you. Otherwise, you don't want to embarrass them. > > Fred > California Kayaker > (Raised in the country in N. Central Texas. Closest water - Wind > Mill. Please don't tell anyone - they don't know I'm from Texas. I don't > want Yall to shun me.) > *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
In a message dated 8/21/00 4:43:46 AM !!!First Boot!!!, tmeagher_at_netropolis.net writes: << However, I would imagine that, like rattlers, they seldom actually go after humans and attack them(?). >> We, people in North Florida, are fortunate to live within a short distance of Maynard Cox. Maynard is a poison bite specialist. He has done extensive research over the past 40 or 50 years for the US Navy and independently. Maynard was featured in a National Geographic special several years ago. He is the author of "Protocol For Emergency Room Procedures and Hospital Management of Snakebites." For more info about Maynard, visit http://times-union.com/tu-online/stories/050700/spo_2998512.html The link mentioned will give contact info for Maynard and the "World Wide Poison Bite Center." This is info that may someday save your life or the life of a loved one. Below is a little bit of info gained from attending several of Maynard's seminars. Unlike Rattlers, Cotton Mouths are territorial. A Cotton Mouth's territory consists of whatever it decides will be it's territory at that time. While a Rattler may be content to lay there or go the other way, the Cotton Mouth is way more likely to exhibit aggressive behavior. This aggressive behavior may include pursuing you. Snakes can and do bite while underwater. Maynard's research includes spiders, bees and jellyfish. Bruce McC WEO *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
Heads Up... the cottonmouth is one of the few snakes (USA) I know of that "might come after you" ! They are downright hostile and beligerant when provoked and to provoke them usually requires only that you are in their close proximity. They emit some kind of musk. I can smell one sometimes before I see it. A cottonmouth is a short, stocky, heavy-bodied snake that can float high up almost completely on the surface. When one raises his head and looks straight at you ...have a plan. A cottonmouth can be a very entertaining snake. Have one drop from a low limb into your open canoe sometime and then let me know what happens ! 8-> ...adieu ...Peyton (Louisiana) *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
>Fred, >Thanks for the word up. It definitely crossed my mind as I was > >performing my antics in the swampy water, whether or not I was going to >attract the attention of a poisonous snake. However, I >would imagine that, like rattlers, they seldom actually go after >humans and attack them(?). The biggest threat would likely be >stepping on one or disturbing it while it was napping. Well, thrashing around in the water is likely to disturb it... >I was wondering what other creatures/bugs were lurking in the weeds, >but none bothered me. You'll be happy to know that the Houston area has the distinction of overlapping territory for all four types of NA venomous snakes - rattlers, water moccasins, copperheads, and coral snakes. I'm not clear whether the alligator's range has re-expanded to include Houston, but I saw a couple in the bayous back when I was a kid. Once you hit the Gulf you have tiger, bull, blacktip, and hammerhead sharks to deal with, but don't worry about them, worry about the sting rays! (an old friend of our family stepped on a ray and got hit with a spine that entered the calf, went through the knee joint, and out the inside of his thigh. Very impressive scar...) KeS *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
RE/ >... too hot... > ...when this >happened... > Yuck and Ouch. > >I spent a long time trying to get back into the boat. Can anybody spell S-U-R-F--S-K-I.... Good for other seasons too because the same feature that makes it cooler in the summer helps cut through any misapprehensions about being dressed for immersion in the winter... OTOH it's not a happy time when you dump it, foget to grab something, and watch it blow away... ----------------------- Pete Cresswell *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
At 02:43 AM 8/19/00 -0500, Tom Meagher wrote: >Hi all, >Here's my question: What is the best way to get back into a flooded kayak >after capsizing? (no skirt). Nobody really addressed this so far so I thought I'd take a stab at it. First, a couple of preface comments. Getting back into a flooded kayak after a capsize is much easier if you're paddling with someone else. There are several methods for reentry in deep water, all of which are easier than a solo rescue. Secondly, both assisted rescues and solo rescues should be practiced under controlled conditions, first in calm conditions, then in increasingly rougher waters. When you capsize, intentionally or not, the first thing to remember is to make sure to stay in contact with your boat, and your paddle at all times. In calm conditions, it's possible to retrieve one, than the other, but if there is a wind, strong tides, or currents, you can easily get separated from your boat and/or your paddle. If you're a bit off shore you can quickly get into a dangerous situation, especially if the water is cold. The first thing you need to do is get your boat back upright while emptying out as much water as possible. If the water is very cold, forget about trying to empty the cockpit completely. In this case, your priority is to get the boat upright and get back in as quickly as possible. Because your boat (Dagger Seeker) had two bulkheads, it will limit the amount of water entering the cockpit. The rear bulkhead should be located just behind the seat so the best way to empty it would be to get the bow elevated so that the water drains toward the rear bulkhead. There are a few methods of doing so. Using the deck lines, make your way toward the stern. Go all the way to the end and the push down on the stern with all your weight. If you are heavy enough the bow will come up and the cockpit combing will come out. Once the air lock is broken the bow will continue to rise, draining water toward the rear bulkhead. At that point, you can quickly rotate the boat back upright. There were still be some water in the cockpit but the boat will be stable enough to try and climb back in. Another method involves going to the bow and trying to raise it enough to drain the boat. Forget about trying this if you're not wearing your PFD. You'll just sink when trying to lift the bow. Even scissor kicking I find this difficult to get the bow high enough to break the seal at the cockpit. A recently Sea Kayaker artcled described a technique for raising the bow, with the assistance of a paddlefloat for extra floatation. Essentialy, you attach the paddlefloat, inflate it, then put the paddleshaft under your arm, wrap a leg around the shaft, then push up on the bow, and rotate the boat once the water has drained. The third method, and the one which is easiest to get the boat upright is to right the boat while holding onto the cockpit. Just reaching under the cockpit and flipping the boat over quickly will get the boat back over. Sometime going underneath the boat, breaking the seal on one side, rocking it back and forth and flipping it will get more water out. Practice this just off shore (but deep enough that you can't touch bottom) to find a method that works best for you. Once the boat is upright you have several options. Someone mentioned the "cowboy" reentry. Personally, I wouldn't rely on this technique for getting back in, in anything other than real calm water. If you've got a small cockpit it will be even more difficult. Essentially, you climb over the side of the boat near the stern, then pull a leg over and pull yourself forward until you can reach the cockpit. Then it's a real balancing act to get your legs in the kayak, then sit down. It's not too difficult to get up to the cockpit as long as you keep your head low but getting your legs in and get seated is another story. The most common method for a solo reentry involves the use of a paddle float. Paddlefloats come in two varieties. The most common are dual chambered inflatable (usually yellow) "pouches". You insert the paddle blade between the chambers, and with 3-4 puffs on each side can inflate the float. There is usually a piece of webbing with a snap that wraps around the paddle shaft to secure the float. The other variety is a piece of closed cell foam inside a cloth holder with some kind of webbing or strap. The paddle blade is inserted into the webbing or straps. Depending on how your boat is outfitted you have a few options. Some boats will have web straps behind the cockpit an inch or so from the edge of the deck. The blade without the float on it can be inserted through the web straps on one or both sides just behind the cockpit. Sometimes the blade can just go under a deck line to hold it in place. Otherwise (or even addition to) you need to hold the paddleshaft to the boat by wrapping your hand around both the paddle shaft and the inside of the cockpit rim. Assuming that you're facing the side of the boat next the cockpit, the paddle is up against the rear of the cockpit rim (between you and the stern of the boat), and the paddle float in the water sort of behind you. Grab the cockpit rim on the other side with one hand while the other holds the paddleshaft to the boat. Now pull yourself up onto the boat. As soon as you can get your weight onto the boat, hook the front of your ankle over the paddleshaft. Keeping your head low (this is very important) turn your body so that your head is facing the stern and you should be able to get the other knee in the cockpit. Now, with the hand that is on the side of the paddle float, grab the paddle shaft and work it toward the paddlefloat and you can shift your weight toward that hand as you crawl a bit further onto the back deck and move your leg off of the paddle shaft and into the cockpit. At this point, remember two things: "keep your head low"and "keep your weight shifted toward the paddlefloat". If you keep repeating these mantras it will go a lot easier. Slowly twist your body around until your seated. Keep your head low and always keep your weight toward the paddlefloat. If you can,. always try to keep you eyes on the paddle float. Often by the time it starts to lift off the water, it's too late, and you're going to capsize on to the other side, forming the infamous "yellow rainbow" with your paddle float. Don't try to remove the paddle and float until you're securely seated and your spray skirt is attached. There is one other item that will make paddle float reentries a bit easier. Take a piece of rope about 15' long and tie it into a loop. Run it under the boat then put your paddle shaft through it on the other side. Then bring the rest of the rope to your side of the boat (from under it) and wrap it around the paddle shaft several times. There will be a short loop of rope remaining hanging in the water that you can step into to help you climb on the boat. The rope will also help hold the paddle in place if you don't have good deck lines. You can also use a rope in a similar manner by wrapping it around the cockpit, then around the paddle shaft. There is also one other solo rescue technique that is called a reentry and roll, which can be done with or without a paddle float but they're most likely beyond your level of experience at this point. *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
John, Wow! That is quite a tour de force on re-entry techniques! I really think it should go in an FAQ or in the Paddlewise Topics page. It is exactly the kind of information I was looking for. Another lister had replied off-line with good information too, but you have really put together an excellent description, especially helping to clear up the "paddle float" topic I've been reading about (I don't have one myself yet). Evidently, part of the trick is to create an ad hoc outrigger with one's paddle and a piece of flotation. Cool. I am relieved to learn that re-entry is such a well-known kayaking issue, because until I capsized, it had never really occurred to me that it would be so tricky. (Why, you just climb right back into the boat, right?) Now I know, and I will make a point of mastering it (eventually). I've learned (through www.houstoncanoeclub.org) of a twice monthly pool practice night not too far away, so I'll start there. Muchos Thanks, Texas Tommy ----- Original Message ----- From: "John Fereira" <jaf30_at_cornell.edu> To: "Tom Meagher" <tmeagher_at_netropolis.net>; <PaddleWise_at_paddlewise.net> Sent: Monday, August 21, 2000 12:21 PM Subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Cretins and Sad Mutations... > At 02:43 AM 8/19/00 -0500, Tom Meagher wrote: > >Hi all, > > >Here's my question: What is the best way to get back into a flooded kayak > >after capsizing? (no skirt). > > Nobody really addressed this so far so I thought I'd take a stab at it. > First, a couple of preface comments. Getting back into a flooded kayak > after a capsize is much easier if you're paddling with someone else. There > are several methods for reentry in deep water, all of which are easier than > a solo rescue. Secondly, both assisted rescues and solo rescues should be > practiced under controlled conditions, first in calm conditions, then in > increasingly rougher waters. > > When you capsize, intentionally or not, the first thing to remember is to > make sure to stay in contact with your boat, and your paddle at all times. > In calm conditions, it's possible to retrieve one, than the other, but if > there is a wind, strong tides, or currents, you can easily get separated > from your boat and/or your paddle. If you're a bit off shore you can > quickly get into a dangerous situation, especially if the water is cold. > > The first thing you need to do is get your boat back upright while emptying > out as much water as possible. If the water is very cold, forget about > trying to empty the cockpit completely. In this case, your priority is to > get the boat upright and get back in as quickly as possible. Because your > boat (Dagger Seeker) had two bulkheads, it will limit the amount of water > entering the cockpit. The rear bulkhead should be located just behind the > seat so the best way to empty it would be to get the bow elevated so that > the water drains toward the rear bulkhead. There are a few methods of > doing so. > > Using the deck lines, make your way toward the stern. Go all the way to > the end and the push down on the stern with all your weight. If you are > heavy enough the bow will come up > and the cockpit combing will come out. Once the air lock is broken the bow > will continue to rise, draining water toward the rear bulkhead. At that > point, you can quickly rotate the boat > back upright. There were still be some water in the cockpit but the boat > will be stable enough to try and climb back in. > > Another method involves going to the bow and trying to raise it enough to > drain the boat. Forget about trying this if you're not wearing your PFD. > You'll just sink when trying to lift the bow. Even scissor kicking I find > this difficult to get the bow high enough to break the seal at the cockpit. > A recently Sea Kayaker artcled described a technique for raising the bow, > with the assistance of a paddlefloat for extra floatation. Essentialy, you > attach the paddlefloat, inflate it, then put the paddleshaft under your > arm, wrap a leg around the shaft, then push up on the bow, and rotate the > boat once the water has drained. > > The third method, and the one which is easiest to get the boat upright is > to right the boat while holding onto the cockpit. Just reaching under the > cockpit and flipping the boat over quickly will get the boat back over. > Sometime going underneath the boat, breaking the seal on one side, rocking > it back and forth and flipping it will get more water out. Practice this > just off shore (but deep enough that you can't touch bottom) to find a > method that works best for you. > > Once the boat is upright you have several options. > > Someone mentioned the "cowboy" reentry. Personally, I wouldn't rely on > this technique for getting back in, in anything other than real calm water. > If you've got a small cockpit it will be even more difficult. > Essentially, you climb over the side of the boat near the stern, then pull > a leg over and pull yourself forward until you can reach the cockpit. Then > it's a real balancing act to get your legs in the kayak, then sit down. > It's not too difficult to get up to the cockpit as long as you keep your > head low but getting your legs in and get seated is another story. > > The most common method for a solo reentry involves the use of a paddle > float. Paddlefloats come in two varieties. The most common are dual > chambered inflatable (usually yellow) "pouches". You insert the paddle > blade between the chambers, and with 3-4 puffs on each side can inflate the > float. There is usually a piece of webbing with a snap that wraps around > the paddle shaft to secure the float. The other variety is a piece of > closed cell foam inside a cloth holder with some kind of webbing or strap. > The paddle blade is inserted into the webbing or straps. > > Depending on how your boat is outfitted you have a few options. Some boats > will have web straps behind the cockpit an inch or so from the edge of the > deck. The blade without the float on it can be inserted through the web > straps on one or both sides just behind the cockpit. Sometimes the blade > can just go under a deck line to hold it in place. Otherwise (or even > addition to) you need to hold the paddleshaft to the boat by wrapping your > hand around both the paddle shaft and the inside of the cockpit rim. > > Assuming that you're facing the side of the boat next the cockpit, the > paddle is up against the rear of the cockpit rim (between you and the stern > of the boat), and the paddle float in the water sort of behind you. Grab > the cockpit rim on the other side with one hand while the other holds the > paddleshaft to the boat. Now pull yourself up onto the boat. As soon as > you can get your weight onto the boat, hook the front of your ankle over > the paddleshaft. Keeping your head low (this is very important) turn your > body so that your head is facing the stern and you should be able to get > the other knee in the cockpit. Now, with the hand that is on the side of > the paddle float, grab the paddle shaft and work it toward the paddlefloat > and you can shift your weight toward that hand as you crawl a bit further > onto the back deck and move your leg off of the paddle shaft and into the > cockpit. At this point, remember two things: "keep your head low"and > "keep your weight shifted toward the paddlefloat". If you keep repeating > these mantras it will go a lot easier. Slowly twist your body around > until your seated. Keep your head low and always keep your weight toward > the paddlefloat. If you can,. always try to keep you eyes on the paddle > float. Often by the time it starts to lift off the water, it's too late, > and you're going to capsize on to the other side, forming the infamous > "yellow rainbow" with your paddle float. Don't try to remove the paddle > and float until you're securely seated and your spray skirt is attached. > > There is one other item that will make paddle float reentries a bit easier. > Take a piece of rope about 15' long and tie it into a loop. Run it under > the boat then put your paddle shaft through it on the other side. Then > bring the rest of the rope to your side of the boat (from under it) and > wrap it around the paddle shaft several times. There will be a short loop > of rope remaining hanging in the water that you can step into to help you > climb on the boat. The rope will also help hold the paddle in place if you > don't have good deck lines. You can also use a rope in a similar manner by > wrapping it around the cockpit, then around the paddle shaft. > > There is also one other solo rescue technique that is called a reentry and > roll, which can be done with or without a paddle float but they're most > likely beyond your level of experience at this point. > > > *************************************************************************** > 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/ > *************************************************************************** > *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
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