Re: [Paddlewise] Sp***ns, rolling and paddlefloats

From: "Mary Z" <mzuschlag_at_home.com>

> So my question is how easy is it to roll a fully loaded sea kayak?  

It takes a little more "oomph" to start the kayak rolling, due to the 
greater mass, but once it's mostly over, the extra stability from its
weight snaps you up and holds you there - well, compared to the
same kayak empty.  Is it harder?  Sort of - it's different.

>would sp**** be better or would a paddle float be sufficient?  

If you can try both, do so and decide.  I prefer the paddle float because
it's simpler, functional and easier to inflate (less volume).  

I find the value of the sponsons somewhat overstated by the enthusiasts 
and greatly overrated by sponsonboy (who is a member of my kayak club
that I've never met).  I've found that they don't provide as much stability in 
the tests I've done as I'd expect from all the hype.  On the other hand, a friend 
of mine likes them a lot.  YMMV.  

If you want to see that sponson boy's product looks like deployed and what
it can do, go to http://www.zeuter.com/~squall/ and select the Squall-Mart
Paddlogue and then select rescue&repair.  Scroll down near the bottom.
That's _not_ timmy in the kayak, it's Jack Elliott.
Mike

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