RE: [Paddlewise] Ideas for a Long Trip

John said;

> I can't imagine trying a paddle 
> float reentry with one (dislocated shoulder).  If you do, be prepared
to feel like 
> you have an orange tucked up tight in your armpit!
> 
> How does one even begin to practice that?  I can see myself 
> out on Chesapeake Bay with some paddling partners, and turn 
> to one and say, "Yo Steve, I want to practice my paddle float 
> reentry, could you come over and dislocate my shoulder?"    : -)
 
:-) Yeah, that would be a sight to see, wouldn't it!  One arm paddle
float entries aren't easy, but if you capsize during a crossing, attempt
a roll and put too much pressure on a shoulder, dislocate it, and have
to wet exit, then NOW you need to re-enter with only one arm.  Brings up
a good point, though.  Someone could relatively easily practice things
without using arms, hands, and so forth, but how would you practice
doing things with extreme pain?????  Never mind - I'm not sure I really
want to hear the answer to that!  :-)   

My intention for one hand / one arm skills is to simply tuck a hand or
the whole forearm under my PFD from the side, or, depending on what it
is I'm practicing, just stick a hand in a pocket (like for one hand fire
starting). Another option is to hold a tennis ball or something to
simulate use of the shoulder and elbow, but since the hand is occupied,
I wouldn't have additional use of it.  I could still apply leverage and
pressure with a forearm, perhaps, but couldn't grip anything other than
the ball.  

The above is for a hand injury, perhaps.  For hand numbness, I'll just
do everything while wearing a pair of gloves, or worse yet, a  pair of
snow ski mittens or something similar that takes away your dexterity.  

For "Boat" skills, total body numbness is a different story.... haven't
figured that one out yet.  For non boat skills - again, the fire
building example to combat hypothermia - one could (I haven't done it
myself) wait for a 30 degree winter day with high winds, run out into
the backyard wearing tennis shoes, jeans and a t-shirt, and start
building a fire.  That would provide a scenario for doing stuff with
severe shivering.... just don't forget to go back inside before "REAL"
hypothermia sets in!!!!  

It's kind of funny, really.  I can picture myself in the backyard,
hobbling around on one leg, holding a brick in one hand, and trying to
build a fire.  When the wife asks "What are you doing!" I can
respond..."Isn't it obvious...I'm practicing Kayaking!!!"  :-)

Rick - Poquoson, VA

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