Re: [Paddlewise] Wet exits and spray deck removal

PT,
I don't think it is possible to wriggle out of a neoprene sprayskirt, nor
insert a hand between the tubing and one's body. Item 1. and item 4. are bad
ideas with a tight-fitting neoprene sprayskirt. I know this from extensive
experience and common sense. A serious tourer will not wear a nylon
sprayskirt, especially in rough conditions.
Sid Taylor
-----Original Message-----
From: Peter Treby <ptreby_at_ozemail.com.au>
To: Paddlewise (E-mail) <paddlewise_at_paddlewise.net>
Date: Thursday, March 08, 2001 3:25 PM
Subject: [Paddlewise] Wet exits and spray deck removal


>A note of thanks to the collective experience of Paddlewise on this
subject.
>I got on the water last night and tried several methods of wet exit without
>using the spray deck strap. Here's some findings:
>1. Escaping through the spray deck tube without removing the deck at all is
>possible, if a bit wriggly. That's one reason not to have a spray deck with
>shoulder straps holding up the tube.
>2. Hitting the spray deck hard in the centre with a flat hand, provides a
>fold which can be grabbed and pulled, but on my thick and fairly tight
>fitting deck, nothing happens. The deck does not come off if pulled in this
>way. This method may work on looser fitting decks of thinner neoprene.
>3. Hitting the deck with the heel of the hand at a flattish spot on the
deck
>near the coaming, and pushing towards the coaming, can produce a fold to
>grab. You then pull the deck fold towards the outside of the coaming, and
>with enough slack at the edge, pull the retaining bungy cord out and up,
and
>the deck peels off.
>4. Reaching inside the spraydeck tube with one hand, moving your hand to
the
>outside of the deck near the coaming, and pushing the deck out and up
works.
>This feels the easiest and most reliable.
>5. I couldn't use a knees up removal of the deck in a small cockpit. My
>knees are locked in under the deck. Knees up deck removal seems only
>suitable for large cockpit openings.
>After these experiments, further thoughts:
>I like the idea of a strap fixed to the boat at the front of the cockpit.
>Perhaps also, more than one grab strap on the spray deck, in case one rips
>off.
>Or, a small patch of Velcro near the front of the deck, holding the grab
>strap end on the outside of the spray deck.
>If a knife is quickly available, I wonder if slitting the deck is an
option.
>The knife would need to be sharp. Neoprene is a little difficult to cut
>without a panic situation. There is a risk of wounding yourself, and of
>course the deck loses function. So that's probably just a stunt for the
>movie "Doug Lloyd, The True Story".
>Take Care Y'All,
>PT
>37º 42' S  145º 08' E
>
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