Mark said: Matt Broze's typically thoughtful discussion about paddle float rescue options prompts me to offer what may be an obvious postscript. I believe it's very valuable to think through options prior to the advent of even a minor crisis. Mark, If you go in the water, and its cold, and its rough, well, as the Kiwis say, "You are stuffed". I assume you are meaning the paddler is solo, and needs to think through their options. I think paddlers would be better to already know instinctively what their options should be, both from a prior appraisal at the start of each trip day that includes a good understanding of the days challenges, and an ongoing assessment. If conditions change and get rougher and I'm still a distance from my landing, I might get my skull cap out or even put it on. This preempts me more favorably to a R&R, for instance. A paddler needs a few backup options for sure, and while it is true that one should consider use of other gear, it sure as heck helps if you have tried it out before. I hear folks say they will/can use their PFD like a paddlefloat. Have you tried it? Have you got any conception (not you specifically Mark) of how difficult it will be to deploy said devices and makeshift arrangements? Will stuff wash away? Will stuff be blown away? Do I need to tether certain items? My pump? My paddlefloat? Does my paddlefloat secure to the blade, or is the blade narrow and needs a little extra help via a short clip/tether? Lots of questions. Faced with a sudden emergency, out alone, is not the time to be asking such question -- or wishing you had before. Not panicking is a big "rescue option". Staying focused is as important as what gear you have. You also said: It almost goes without saying that some of us like gear for gear's sake, and others seem to believe less is more. I believe it's valuable to consider the unintended uses of each piece of equipment, the better to keep things simple. True Mark, less is always more, unless you loose it or it malfunctions. Some gear can have a bit of built in redundancy, like double-chambered paddlefloats, but I do ask you to be careful about judging people's hearts and motives. We all need to. People may buy gear for gear's sake, but that is a huge generalization. If you already have a paddlefloat and can use it, then decide to drop a bundle of cash for a Backup (tm) device, was this because you wanted to acquire more gear, or realized that if a roll fails, perhaps a Backup inflating device is a better option that coming out of your cockpit in the first place. "Cause then you just might really be screwed. The creator of the Backup device gets real mad with the industry, who always put it in the same category as other rescue devices that one deploys AFTER A WET EXIT. You continued: Regarding paddle floats, each has obvious drawbacks and advantages: foam is bulky but always ready; inflatable may not be ready, but it's compact. Either item may be separated from a boat. But most paddlers carry at least a couple of other "paddle floats" that make adequate back-up systems. The hydration bladder that's on many decks can be emptied and inflated pretty quickly. Drybags that aren't thoroughly purged of air can offer adequate support. I'm sure y'all have other ideas, as well. I just think it pays to sit still sometimes and wonder, "hey, lemme see if this works." This is a good point Mark, with my above provisos. And it pays to wonder as we have been doing on PW, what piece of gear works in a particular frame of reference, and if you will even gat a chance to use it. Take the hand pump. I've seen people pre-empty some of the water out of their kayak, then get back in and attempt to pump. Only problem, was they couldn't get back in. Then they tried it again, with the boat a bit more swamped. Lo and behold, the cockpit was lower to the surface, and the person was able to get back in despite poor upper body strength, and then pump out. You also said (and it was a great post Mark): Personally, I believe the simplicity of kayaks is more compatible with an approach that emphasizes independence and adaptability over shopping for every conceivable redundancy. What IS every conceivable redundancy, Mark? What is your definition of too much redundancy. What is not enough? What kind of physical condition are you in? How cold is the water? What are you wearing? The whole equation is very dependent on the individual, their boat, and their comfort with what they have. It goes beyond mere gear. While I'd rather see a skilled kayaker with just a cup for a bailer and no other adjunctive rescue/emergency/signalling gear that a novice with every conceivable redundancy, independence and adaptability are still only nice sounding platitudes. If you have screwed up and need outside help, you should have a VHF. Batteries dead? Class A,B,C, etc flares might be in order. Shot of f your 3 flares? They still can't pin-point you? A hand held flare might just be the ticket. Or smoke flares. Who is to say what is too redundant. As long as you don't head out with the intention of summoning help with the slightest provocation. Are two paddlefloats too much? What if one blows away or is unknowingly punctured. That has happened to me before. And what are you going to do if you get separated from your boat? Ever thought about that? A sea kayaking editor once said that was a million to one shot (or something to that effect). Yet, this has happened in a number of cases. So is wearing something like a Sea Seat in your PFD back pocket redundant? I ramble on, and as a kayak retailer once told me, you don't need to worry about kayakers having too much redundant gear aboard. After all he said, safety gear is often one of the harder items to sell in the store. Color coordinated jackets and paddles, no problem, but updated flares, etc, it is often a hard sell. Doug Lloyd *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
This archive was generated by hypermail 2.4.0 : Thu Aug 21 2025 - 16:33:21 PDT