Re: [Paddlewise] So Calif Whale Watch Paddle & Lessons Learned

From: Steven A. Holtzman <sh_at_actglobal.net>
Date: Mon, 18 Feb 2002 06:10:26 -0800
Sid,

Some good questions. I'll try to answer them in order.

I lost the boat, because I failed to keep my hand on the cockpit as I
exited. That will be something I will be practicing until I don't have to
think about it.

I have tried swimming with a paddle several times but it has not been a
regular part of our monthly practice sessions---it is now.

Like you, I keep NOTHING on the front deck except a chart case when I need
charts. My pump is also jammed between my seat and hull-it can still come
out, so tether it. Wayne Horodowich has mentioned to me that he used to keep
his pump in the same place I do--but he has takn to keeping it on the deck
now, because if it is hairy enough to need to use a pump, he doesn't want to
pop his skirt to reach for it. I can understand that now. The paddler
assisting me, could not have safely popped his skirt to get his pump to give
to me while mine was drifting away. I still like a clean deck, so I am going
to have to think long and hard about this one.

Sid Stone wrote:

Some questions: Why did you lose your boat? Have you practiced swimming with
a paddle? You didn't address this in your summary.

I think another point can be taken from this experience. The sea loves to
remove poorly secured things from your deck. That is why I try to keep very
little on my deck or ensure it is tethered. I keep my pump squeezed between
my seat and the side of the kayak.


Steve Holtzman

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Received on Mon Feb 18 2002 - 06:10:38 PST

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