Rex Robertson wrote: - >The web site for Outdoorplay has a page on self rescue using a paddle float. >There is a serious flaw in the technique that is illustrated. The >victim/swimmer has let go of the kayak, with one paddle blade under the >bungie, she is out at the other blade putting the paddle float on. >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. G' Day Self Rescue Enthusiasts, I've practised the paddlefloat reentry fairly regularly and sometimes find myself letting go of the boat and relying on the paddle being tethered to the boat. This worries me - it doesn't seem a good enough tether. Is there a case here for using a personal tether? After all one is unlikely to do a paddlefloat reentry in the surf where a tether might be dangerous? These days I never go out without a paddlefloat, which I'm prepared to use in a reentry and roll instead of the greater effort that goes into setting up the paddle under the bungies and climbing aboard. Our NSW Australia sea proficiency exam requires a non roll self rescue method in addition to being able to roll. So my non roll method is going to be using a paddlefloat in the reentry and roll manoevre. When I've asked local instructors whether this is acceptable they typically say yes but that its a good idea to know the conventional method, but they can't tell me why! Several skilled sea kayakers advised that if one exits a boat due to a blown roll not to repeat it but use the paddlefloat assisted reentry and roll instead. And I found this much simpler and faster than learning the conventional paddlefloat rescue. I wonder if it might be easier even for people who don't know how to roll. Please note my opinions are those of a novice kayaker - so I'm really asking for comment not intending to give advice! All the best, PeterO Who also helps with the Paddlewise Who's Who List so if you need to add an entry or make a modification my email address is rebyl_kayak_at_iprimus.com.au *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************Received on Thu Jun 14 2001 - 09:32:05 PDT
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