Re: [Paddlewise] Safety Warning

Another quick way to release the sprayskirt is from the side.  If you just
grab the side of the skirt just above your hip or 1/2 back, and give a big
tug, it'll pop off.  It's a sure fire release if you happen to bury the
loop.

 Another exit that *usually* works is put a knee up thru the cockpit opening
and push out.  I've seen the combing part from the boat using this
technique.

I use a skirt with an implosion bar <SnapDragon> that is an easy release
with the knee trick.

Steve
Alder Creek Kayak and Canoe    N 45º 39' 47"
250 NE Tomahawk Isle Dr.       W 122º 36' 16"
Portland, OR  97217          Web: www.aldercreek.com
Phone: 503.285.0464        Email: aldercreek_at_qwest.net


----- Original Message -----
From: "Matt Broze" <mkayaks_at_oz.net>
To: "Paddlewise" <paddlewise_at_paddlewise.net>
Sent: Tuesday, March 06, 2001 5:30 PM
Subject: [Paddlewise] Safety Warning


> I recently learned of two separate incidents where paddlers were trapped
in
> their kayak upon capsizing because they were wearing neoprene gloves. I
> talked to the near drowning victim in one of these incidents. She had been
> hospitalized and is alive today only because her paddling partners reached
> her and got her out of the kayak. She said the problem was that with the
> gloves on she could not feel what she was touching and could not find the
> grab loop to remove the spraydeck. This same lack of feeling also made it
> impossible for her to find and release the Velcro straps on the back of
the
> gloves in order to take them off to free her fingers.
> Let me suggest that any new gear you get may have more effect on you than
> you can anticipate. Honestly, how many of us would realize that the
addition
> of gloves to keep our hands warm could make it impossible for us top
remove
> the sprayskirt, much less, the gloves themselves.
> Everyone should practice alternative ways to remove their spraydeck in
case
> they inadvertently tuck in their release loop or have it fail and break
> loose.
> Some suggestions to try:
> Many spraydecks have the shock cord protruding from the rear where the
> tension can be adjusted. This can serve as an alternative grab loop. Also,
> try lifting your PFD by shoving your hand down inside the spraydeck
through
> the waist tube opening and then push out to the side, palm up, just above
> the coaming rim with your fingertips straight to break the seal (and then
> lift up from the elbow and sweep your hand forward to remove the skirt).
You
> push out to the side first because it is easier to get the shock cord to
> clear the cockpit where there is less of a curve.
> Consider using Pogies to keep your hands warm or cutting a few fingertips
> off your thick neoprene gloves.
> If you were to dislocate your shoulder (or stick one arm into the sharks
> mouth) you may need to be able to release the spray skirt with one hand.
> Practice this, try it with the grab looped tucked away too.
> Other alternative spraydeck removable suggestions you might have would be
> appreciated.
> Matt Broze
> http://www.marinerkayaks.com
>
>
>
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