Chuck writes; >As a trip leader, I would like advice on how to integrate folding kayaks >with hardshells on group trips -- techniques, rescues, things to look out >for, etc. I reply: As a Klepper paddler who regularly and almost exclusively keeps company with the hardshell brigade I would suggest the following points: # A folding kayaker can rescue herself/himself as efficiently as a hardshell operator who presumably has a reliable roll. This only occurs if the folding kayaker regularly practices self rescue techniques. If they are not willing to demonstrate this, I would not paddle with them. # This is because the inherent stability of the folding kayaks you mention, means their paddlers may NOT regularly practice self rescue. # A reasonably skilled folding kayaker can be an asset on a trip. Her/his kayak makes a relatively stable platform on which to base assisted rescues. If you run to a buddy system in your club on the water, it would pay to have the foldable/hardshell buddies practice assisted rescues. Their boats can have quite disparate behavior upside down, and/or partially waterlogged. # Amen to the advice on reducing volume, either with gear, or floatation bags. # You seem to indicate a double Klepper is paddled solo. That's a lot of kayak to manoeuvre in a blow, even for a strong paddler. I would be reluctant as a trip leader to let that one through. # If the foldables don't carry electric pumps, [ actually even if they do!] I would personally check on the bail-out equipment of the foldables. Remember, even if they carry floatation bags and gear, these kayaks can still ship an awful lot of water without a seasock. # I would be checking on what sort of spraydeck/skirt arrangement they have, not only for seaworthiness, but also for protection from hypothermia. Big open cockpits can result in cold kayakers, particularly in cold rain. [ In my neck of the woods, sunburn to the legs is a worry.] # As far as group spread goes, foldables are not necessarily the slow coaches, so in my club at least, there are no on-the-water instructions peculiar to folding kayakers. # If your foldables are going to be assembled at put-ins, it might be helpful for group harmony to suggest their owners arrive early enough to get their boat ready, especially on day trips. Again, this depends on the skill of the folding kayaker , ie, their assembly times. # In the hands of folks who know their boats and skills, I believe foldables have a significant degree of survivability. I speak for the Klepper, which I know. I would describe this as 'built-in redundancy'. The only caveat is big surf, but I guess you get short, steep, breaking and dumping seas where you are. Hopes this helps! Peter Rattenbury, Wollongong, Australia. *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
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