Re: [Paddlewise] broken/bent paddles during rescue

Date:          Wed, 06 Mar 2002 14:24:24 -0500
From:          Steve Cramer <cramer_at_coe.uga.edu>
To:            PaddleWise_at_paddlewise.net
Subject:       Re: [Paddlewise] broken/bent paddles during rescue

> ps   my husband, who weighs 250+ as well, didn't bend the paddle.  go
> figure.  maybe it's because i'm 5'4" and he's 5'10"?

Maybe because he's tall enough that his weight is out on the end of the
paddle, where it's supported by the float, and a lot of your weight ends
up closer to the middle, where the paddle is the weakest?
---------------------

Hi All,
I can't agree with that. When I do a solo re-entry with a paddle 
float, I hold the paddle shaft to the back of the cockpit rim with 
one hand and reach across the cockpit to the far gunwale with the 
other. I kick once near the surface to launch my chest up over the 
cockpit. 

Next, I shift both hands to the paddle shaft across the rear deck just 
behind the cockpit, being careful to keep A LITTLE BIT of weight on 
the outrigger.  The shaft reaching out to the float IS NOT A chinning 
bar. 

I work my chest onto the rear deck just far enough to get my feet 
into the cockpit, then twist around and sit in the boat.

At no time do I put my weight on the outrigger beyond that described 
above.
--------
I still prefer rolling or, if necessary, reentry and roll. In the 
latter case, I take the paddle and gunwale in one hand on the top 
gunwale, and turn the hull up enough to get feet partway into 
cockpit. There is enough flotation in me and my PFD to hold boat and 
myself on my/its side at the surface. 

I only go nearly upside down for the last wiggle into the cockpit to 
get hold of the hull with my knees (get seated in the boat)- then 
sweep and roll.  Paddle ends in a low brace across my waist. No 
twisting around to get the paddle loose from rear deck tie downs.

I prefer minicell paddle floats; they never deflate.

I always carry a spare paddle on the rear deck or front deck-depending on 
what I take that day (Greenland or Euro).

Chuck Sutherland
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