Re: [Paddlewise] getting rid of water using a ???????

From: "Ellis Andersen" <ellis_at_magnus.net>


> 2)  Dare I say it - in all the discussions about wet-exit and rolling safety
> I've seen, no menition (other than one partially-oblitherated reference) of
> sponsons.  I've recently bought my first ones and would plan to use them
> pre-attached, with air tubing to my seating position and:  a) inflate them if
> conditions turn very rough, before I might capsize

If rough conditions include breaking waves, sponsons will _reduce_ your
stability!

>, or b) for more controlled re-entry, under very rough conditions (i.e. not rollable).

If the conditions are to rough to roll, you're not going to get any benefit from
sponsons.  Consider what WW paddlers roll in (watch any extreme kayaking
video).

I have had the occasion to test sponsons on a rented CD Solstice GTS a 
couple of years ago.  It was in a small bay off of Georgian Bay, calm water
with no appreciable wind.  The kayak had no gear inside.

I found that I could roll with them attached.  It was as easy as rolling my GTH 
with a full load of gear.

They provided little stability for reentry.  I tried a "panic re-entry", where I 
grabbed onto the kayak and scrambled onto the deck.  The kayak rolled
over and dumped me.  

I tried a calmer entry.  The kayak allowed me in, but it was little better than
a cowboy entry in a fully loaded kayak.  

Now I've seen a kayaking friend demonstrate his sponsons on a CD Storm.
He was able to stand in the kayak.  He didn't have much trouble reentering.

So... YMMV.  I wouldn't put too much faith in them.  They have a role to play
in kayaking, but they tend to be overrated IMNSHO.  My preference is to 
ensure that I stay ashore if conditions are beyond my skills, rely on paddling
skills (bracing etc) to stay up and rely on a solid roll if I go over.   If I do have
to exit, I'd rather use a paddle float.   I've never had to roll my SK yet.

Mike

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