RE: [Paddlewise] Wet exits and spray deck removal

From: Peter Treby <ptreby_at_ozemail.com.au>
Date: Fri, 9 Mar 2001 12:01:29 +1100
Sid writes:
"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."
Well, I did wriggle out of my neoprene spraydeck yesterday. The deck is
thick neoprene, with a thinner neoprene tube. The tube is not excessively
tight, just say, firm. I could roll it down and thrash and wriggle out.
Using this manoeuvre as a last ditch effort to breath again, like anything,
needs practice ahead of time to be sure it's useful, of course. Maybe your
deck will not allow it.
"I know this from extensive experience and common sense."
What methods, if any, do you suggest from your extensive experience and
common sense if the grab tape or loop is not available, being either inside
the cockpit or ripped off? Remember Murphy's Law applies here.
"A serious tourer will not wear a nylon sprayskirt, especially in rough
conditions."
I am a light hearted tourer with, I hope, a sense of humour. This seems like
a pretty rigid generalisation. While I prefer an all neoprene deck, I seem
to recall John Dowd talking about nylon tubes on decks, and zip up decks, in
his book. Might have been in relation to warm climate paddling. I suppose
he'd pass as a serious tourer.

Regards,
Peter Treby
37º 42' S  145º 08' E



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Received on Thu Mar 08 2001 - 17:19:30 PST

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