At 06:59 AM 1/29/02 +1100, PeterO wrote: >Would you say that a surf ski has different criteria for safety? It depends on the surf ski and paddler. Some are basically a sea kayak with a surface mounted cockpit. On those lines and hatches are available. Thigh straps are also possible to make them rollable. One local has a surf ski that he can't get back on, if he tips over (the surf ski is "tall" with a 14", 35cm, waterline). Paddling solo is not a safe option for him. Around here the primary safety issue for the surf ski is clothing. When I paddle I'm soaked, rarely if ever will I be dry below the waist. Dressing for immersion is a serious consideration. >Its easy to >fall off, easy to get back on again and fast. I've always thought it was one >of the safest craft for paddling in warm water harbour/estuary environments. >I would imagine you would need a different (less comprehensive) set of >safety gear than for a sit in kayak paddled on the open sea. A surf ski is quite at home on the open sea. I've got a particular problem since I have no storage in which to stash or lash any gear. I also paddle inhabited areas, finding a secluded area is a challenge. The surf ski works well for my particular use (although being wet the whole time gets real tiring). If I paddled secluded areas, or pushed my limits I would definitely carry more safety gear. >Colors don't >seem all that safe for a crowded harbour! Though I guess its fair to assume >that noone can see you anyway and its up to the paddler to avoid collisions. I paddle a black boat with a forest green pfd and a black paddle, I paddle as if I'm completely invisible. I avoid channels and paddle close to fixed objects (bouys, docks, shallows etc., moored turned off boats) kirk *************************************************************************** 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 Mon Jan 28 2002 - 12:53:36 PST
This archive was generated by hypermail 2.4.0 : Thu Aug 21 2025 - 16:30:50 PDT