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

From: Doug Lloyd <dougl_at_islandnet.com>
Date: Wed, 20 Feb 2002 10:44:13 -0800
Oh, it looks like you did find a picture of the pump sleeve on the web site --
guess I didn't search hard enough.

One reminder: having a hand pump is one thing, having it conveniently available
and not prone to washing away in wild weather, wind and waves (nice
alliteration, eh?) is another thing; but being able to actually complete pumping
operations in a heavy seaway and not wear out doing so or loosing stability is
entirely another. If you are committed to more practice (specifically for solo
rescues I was thinking) I'd suggest finding some safe rough water and actually
trying out your water expulsion to reasonable_ finality_. It can be an
eye-opener. Especially for weaker individuals. In my Paddlefloat and Re-entry
and Roll classes (and this is on a flat-calm lake!) most of the women are unable
to remove the volume of water before their arms give out. And not everyone can
paddle a boat to safety full of cold water (I will not storm paddle with anyone
not capable of that skill - for cockpitted kayaks).

I know most of us are well aware of the above, but it is worth repeating. And
practice _doesn't_ make perfect, but it is a darn sight better than the
alternative. And remember...respect the sea, 'cause it sure ain't gonna respect
you.

Doug Lloyd

P.S.   I haven't gotten out paddling yet, still awaiting the healing of my skin
graft (can't get it wet). To all in Paddlewise land who are unable to paddle for
medical reasons right now, or find it extremely difficult to get out, my heart
goes out to you.


"Steven A. Holtzman" wrote:

> Doug,
>
> Great looking item, I sent them an email to get prices since they don't have
> them listed. My grey pump with a small red floatation color was not easy to
> see in the swells and whitecaps. And although my pump was kept wedged
> between my seat and hull, the reason I had not teathered it was because I
> hadn't yet found color coordinated bungee cord.
>
> Steve
>
> Doug Lloyd said:
>
> .........Securing one's hand held pump isn't that difficult
> to do but, if you want to spend money and be a true techno-weenie,
> Natural West Coat Adventure Gear had a great Cordura sleeve that
> velcroes the length of the pump. It has a clip for a tether line, and
> built in flotation so the pump cant sink either. Mine's bright red to
> match my PFD - stylin' bro! Color coordination and lots of gear makes
> for a safer paddler, right? ..........
> You can check out the Company at:
>
> <http://www.kayak.bc.ca./kayak_product/index.html>
>
> No picture on the site yet, but contact info there.  It was about $10.00
> Canadian. A neat little product from Canada, worth its price in gold (or
> silver in the USA!). I have no financial intrest in this company.

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Received on Wed Feb 20 2002 - 10:49:07 PST

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