[Paddlewise] Surf Swimming Breakouts

Doug, you wrote:
"The second to last Sea Kayaker Mag issue had a good story about kayaking
the Southern Coast of Australia. The story included an accout of the
trip participants trying to exit the large surf. In the end, the fellows
try swimming the kayaks out through the mayham. I've heard of doing this
in reverse, but not as depicted in the story. Anyone got a clue if this
is normal practice down there?"

It's not normal practice where I am. In fact I haven't heard of it at this
end of the continent. The only swimming in surf by sea kayakers I've
witnessed has definitely not been a deliberate tactic! I happened to suggest
to a certain well known local paddler not long ago that toggles should be
available at both ends of the boat, partly to make swimming with the boat
easier. He just pointed to the cockpit and pronounced dourly, "That's the
only place to be in surf".
I notice the attempt to swim boats out described in the Sea Kayaker article
was not successful, and they ended up paddling out.
Sorry for the delayed response. I've been, uhm, paddling.
PT
37°42'S 145°08'E


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