Re: [Paddlewise] Bad advice on paddle float rescue

From: <JCMARTIN43_at_aol.com>
Date: Wed, 13 Jun 2001 08:56:33 EDT
In a message dated 6/13/2001 3:11:06 AM Eastern Daylight Time, rexrob_at_mac.com 
writes:


> Rule #1 when you capsize and wet exit it to NEVER let go of the kayak.  Slip
> one arm under a deck line (this is what perimeter lines are for) so you can
> have both hands free and still have a hold on the kayak.  The wind can
> easily blow a kayak away faster than a person can swim to catch it.
> 

This could have been a factor in the death of a kayaker here on the Potomac 
this past spring, Rex.  Windy day, with the boat winding up in Virginia and 
the paddler winding up in Maryland.  Agree with all that you've said --- 
except one thing: are you sure that you want to loop an arm under the 
perimeter lines while you rig a paddlefloat?  If the wind is blowing, what's 
to keep it from rolling the boat --- and you --- a couple of times, 
potentially damaging your arm/shoulder in the process or keeping you under 
long enough to cause other air-breather problems?  Keep a grip?  --- sure, 
but loop an arm through a deck line in adverse conditions?  Dunno, don't 
think so --- not me, anyway.

Jack Martin



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Received on Wed Jun 13 2001 - 07:09:12 PDT

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