[Paddlewise] Rescues

   As seems to usually happen whenever the discussions turn to rescues, I 
feel that you folks have missed the point. I don't capsize. So I don't need 
to know any rescues. If you are having a problem with capsizing then perhaps 
you need to work a lot harder on bracing, and reassessing the conditions you 
paddle in.
   "But ' what if ' you were to capsize," you might ask? I've already stated 
that I don't capsize, so what's the point of the discussion? "But ' what if ' 
," you ask again? OK, then, so let's play the game of "what if." If I were to 
capsize then I would simply roll back up. "But what if you couldn't roll?" 
Perhaps you dislocate a shoulder in the process of capsizing, or in a failed 
roll? What if the person your paddling with is unable to assist - perhaps the 
wind is so strong that they are having problems turning their boat around to 
come back and get you? What if your paddling alone? What if you suddenly 
become sick, disoriented, nauseous, your equilibrium is shot, or who knows 
what else we might possibly encounter on the water that might make rescue 
necessary - and difficult? 
   You see, in my opinion it doesn't matter which rescue is faster, or 
better, or drier, or anything else like that. It's simply a matter of being 
prepared and having options available to us. I don't intend to ever need to 
use any of the rescues I constantly practice. But I practice them anyway. And 
when I find myself in a situation which requires a rescue I am quick to 
deploy it. Heck, I spend enough time practicing these things. You can bet I'm 
eager to finally get a chace to use one.
   As for Sid's challenge - I'll take you on. I'll bet I can put together a 
paddlefloat which inflates by CO2 cartridges which I could then deploy in a 
matter of seconds. Of course this would be just for competition purposes 
because in real life I have no problem simply climbing back into the boat 
from the water without the use of a paddle float. And yes, I have done 
re-entries during practice sessions with and without the use of a paddlefloat 
in very rough conditions without any problems. But then I probably practice 
more then most.

Scott
So.Cal.
    

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