Re: [Paddlewise] Now Over or Under PFD

From: ralph diaz <rdiaz_at_ix.netcom.com>
Date: Tue, 14 Nov 2000 18:39:10 -0800
Melissa Reese wrote:

> Frankly, wearing the skirt tunnel over a PFD makes no real sense to
> me at all.  I can think of many reasons to wear the tunnel under the
> drytop, PFD, etc.  Since using a sprayskirt has much to do with
> keeping water out of the boat, wearing a tunnel on the outside seems
> particularly counter-intuitive and awkward.
> 
> I would be interested to hear an explanation of why anyone would do
> otherwise.

Years ago, Feathercraft's K-1 had an integral sprayskirt that was sewn
into the deck.  You really had to wear it outside your PFD otherwise you
risked getting entrapped.  It had a velcro closure that was meant to
help you wet exit.  It always seemed scary to me.

Ralph Hoehn mentioned the spraydecks on Pouches (and Kleppers) which are
one large piece covering the big opening of a double (and singles too).
They open(ed) on one side with velcro or snaps.  You definitely would
not want THAT under your PFD.

Another reason perhaps for wearing a sprayskirt outside the PFD might be
in the folding kayaks I mentioned above even when the splash covering
consists of a spray deck with two holes to which you attach sprayskirts
(theirs or from the aftermarket).  The decks are quite high.  A shorter
individual might find that the sprayskirt forces the PFD up above
his/her nose.  So for comfort the skirt might be best worn outside the
PFD to prevent this ride-up.

ralph diaz

-- 
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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."
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Received on Tue Nov 14 2000 - 16:09:51 PST

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