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 *************************************************************************** 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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