Re: [Paddlewise] Wet exits and spray deck removal

> 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
> 

   I think one of the things I enjoy the most about this list is this 
mentality of "total overkill." If a little is good, then a whole lot must be 
mucho better. It's always good for a chuckle. I'm sorry, but somebody needs 
to say it --- if your that inept, then you shouldn't be paddling with 
equipment that you can't handle, or in conditions that are beyond your 
abilities! I feel that Doug Loyd embodies the ultimate example of overkill. 
But at least I understand his reasons behind it. Doug likes to push the 
envelope in some fairly extreme conditions. What kills me is these weekend 
paddlers who insist on being expedition equipped for paddling across the bay 
to get a latte.
   I use neoprene skirts exclusively and have never had a problem getting 
them off of my boat. Except for that one instance I posted earlier where the 
girl was using the wrong skirt for her boat, I have never had anyone get 
trapped in their boat by their sprayskirt in ten years of teaching and twenty 
years of paddling. While there may be some instances where people did have 
problems removing their skirts, I'm pretty certain that these can all be 
chalked up to inexperience and perhaps just plain old stupidity. Perhaps 
someone can enlighten me, but I am not aware of any SEA KAYAKERS having been 
found dead while still seated in their boats with the sprayskirt in place.
   But hey, but don't mind me. I suppose this mentality of total overkill is 
at the very least a big boom to the retailers. 

Going back into hiding,

Scott
So.Cal.

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