Re: [Paddlewise] Brooks Float

Rick,

I first used the Brooks float (avataq) at the Greenland Kayaking
Championships last July. The "avataq roll" was one of the 30 required
capsize maneuvers. I bought one of the floats on my return for practicing
this roll and for Greenland-rolling demonstrations.

The float is quite authentic, it is patterned after a real seal-skin float
sent to Brooks by the Nuuk (Greenland) Kayak Club. It requires a bicycle
pump to inflate and I would not consider it a practical alternative to a
regular double-chambered paddle float for rescues.

On the other hand if you want to be the first on your block to own an
avataq then you will find it great for practicing the avataq roll. To rig
the float for a capsize that starts on your left, add two ropes to the
float; attach one to the right-side of the deckline near the stern and the
other to the right-side of the deckline just aft of the cockpit. The float
will ride in the water to the right of the kayak (this is not how the float
is attached/carried for hunting). The float must be tight or it may get
caught under the kayak when you roll. You perform a "standard" roll using
an extended paddle and the float adds strong resistance that tests your
roll. For a roll on the other side you must untie and reposition the float.

You can also perform a roll with the float held in your hands which is
excellent practice to improve your hand rolls and hipsnap. The Greenlanders
sometimes use the avataq for working on bracing and sculling by attaching
the float to the paddle and you should be able to devise a method of
securing the paddle blade using the straps provided with the float.

Greg Stamer
Orlando, Florida

>
>From: "Richard Kemmer" <rkemmer_at_home.com>
>To: <paddlewise_at_paddlewise.net>
>Subject: [Paddlewise] Brooks Float
>Date: Fri, 27 Oct 2000 11:32:10 -0500
>
>Page 10 of the latest SK highlights a "Sealskin float" by Brooks.  Has 
>anyone
>on the list ever used one of these.  They appear to be meant for rolling
>without the paddle, but can they also be used as a paddle float?
>
>
>Rick


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