Re: [Paddlewise] Safety--my bad rescue practice experience.

As a Squall owner with time on my hands, I'll respond:

Yes the boat feels tippy due to the narrow and tall V shaped hull.  I'm 6'1"
with a 30" waist, so I went for a small narrow boat - the Storm was too big.  I
like the security of the small cockpit - this is one of the smallest on the
market, but re-entry is a bit more difficult, going "feet first" rather than
"butt first".   The Squall requires a special "small" cockpit skirt to get a
tight fit.

The high deck does make a cowboy rescue difficult!  The paddle float rescue
works best, but you must keep yourself flush with the back deck by lying on it
on your stomach and sliding your lower torso in feet first.  In rough
conditions, I'd go with re-entry and roll , although I hate taking the time
while underwater to push the foot pedals back down - I need to fix a bungie to
them like Dagger does.   Too much hip snap and you'll go over again.

My other boat, a Looksha IV, is the opposite - flat and wider, the cowboy jig
and other rescues are easier.  But the seat back extends above the coaming which
is a nuisance.

I'd say that the high deck, small cockpit,  your long legs and lack of
confidence in an unfamiliar boat contributed to your demise!

PS  Boat Demos typically cater to first time paddlers and I believe the
sponsor's have a bit of responsibility for your safety, even if it is just
telling you "Don't go beyond that buoy".

Tim
Boat'n in the Ozarks


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