I have only a small amount of kayaking experience, compared to most people on this list, but I have learned a few things ("the hard way") in the past 2 years and thought I'd pass them on in hopes of preventing someone else from making the same (costly) mistakes. First mistake was to buy a really good PFD, meaning a very high flotation model with several pockets and attachment points on the front. This particular model has a double thickness of flotation foam in the front panels and single in the rear. The theory is that you will float "face up" because of this configuration. I tried it, and it works very well. After attaching a knife and whistle to the tabs and putting a compass, candy bars, camera, etc. in the pockets, making the front even bulkier, I tried to do a paddlefloat re-entry and couldn't! All that junk on the front, plus the extra foam (plus a few extra inches around my middle) made it impossible to get back into the boat. Even an assisted rescue was difficult. I cringe every time I hear people talk about how much they carry in the pockets of their PFD or paddling jacket. The second lesson came the same evening when I discovered that "bungy cord" is not a good anchor material for the paddle when doing paddlefloat re-entry's ...., way too flexible. It allows the paddle to wander around fore and aft, and the boat to roll, when you put your foot on the paddle shaft. Also, the location of the bungy cords is critical and I find that the boats that have the bungy's located close to the rear of the cockpit make it even more difficult to pull yourself up and over the rear deck with the paddle blade in the way. One thing that did work out very well was the application of clear plastic sheet to high-wear areas of my fiberglass boat. This is the stuff that is used to make graphics on the side of cars and trucks, only it's clear, thus virtually invisible. A couple strips where the paddle goes under the bungy's has prevented any damage to the gelcoat in this area. I have also installed it under the other bungy cords to protect the deck surface when the bungy's are used to secure gear on the deck. I'd like to thank everyone on this list for providing numerous other "tips" which have improved my safety and comfort levels immensely. Ron - Rochester, MN *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
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