Re: [Paddlewise] Cowboy Rescues vs. Paddlefloat in surf

At 09:39 AM 9/10/2000 -0400, KiAyker_at_aol.com wrote:
>   Well OK,  let’s review the various rescues applicable to the surf zone.
> 
>1. The Eskimo roll including the re-enter and roll.
>2. Simply climb back into the boat. This can be done with the cowboy rescue, 
>or any of the other variants (such as climbing directly into the cockpit) 
>that have been practiced and learned. 
>3. Swimming the boat back to shore.
>4. Swimming the boat out beyond the surf zone and then performing a 
>paddlefloat or assisted rescue.
>5. An assisted rescue. Although I do not recommend this unless the rescuer 
>has some experience performing assisted rescues in the surf. Otherwise you 
>could very easily end up with two people in the water, or worst, one or both 
>people injured and in the water.
>
>   Can anybody think of any I missed? 
>
>Scott
>So.Cal. 

Scott
I've been late on catching this thread but here it goes....

There is another possibility but I've only taught it in relatively small surf
of up to 3-4ft.
Once out of your boat set up your paddle float however you normally would,
then hand walk to the bow of your boat. While at the bow wait as the wave
sets pass you, when a wave passes and is lifting the stern of your boat lift
the bow and allow the water to drain, (the cockpit is over the trough of
the wave).
Now the fun part.
Get to the side of your boat, lay the paddle across the coaming, on the
coaming.
Hold the paddle down across the coaming with your bow side hand under the
coaming
and with your elbow on top to lock it in. 
Now with your stern side leg, hook the stern and push up on to
the back deck kicking yourself on up into the cowboy position.
It is very important at this point to have both hands holding the paddle
down against
the flat coaming extended out for support.
Scoot yourself forward to the cockpit moving the paddle forward as you go.
Swing your 
feet in or butt in and switch the paddle to a brace position. At this point
I'll have my 
students lay the paddle across the front deck and criss-cross the cross
deck rigging
over in order to buy time to put on their spray skirts. Then its deflate
the paddle float 
and stuff inside of their PFD's and off they go.
This system works best for those who have practiced in flat water first. 
It's sort of a cowboy-paddle float rescue.
Brgds, Jeff



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