PeterO wrote: >>>>>>>>Was this to come in through surf? Or some other circumstance? When I was told about using flippers it was in the context of having to land through large surf by hanging on to the back of the boat and swimming in. I was told that this was a method used by the armed services - in your opinion is this a viable option? Its not something I would do for fun but I can well imagine having to consider it.<<<<<<< This is where I would like to have flippers on. Forget hanging on to the boat unless by "large surf " were talking stuff under 3 or 4 feet high here. Since getting flippers on while in surf would be very difficult they would not be very suitable for a kayaker trying to get in with his kayak, after getting thrashed and bailing out. A planned entry through bigger surf would be another matter. Bailing out outside the break and then swimming with your kayak into the break zone (in order to get it where the surf will take it to shore on its own) should work and might be the best strategy then. Once that first breaker has broken on or outside of your position you would no longer want to be near your kayak (or even up or down wave from it), much less hanging on to it (unless maybe with a long line). At that point the flippers could greatly speed your race (with your kayak-and maybe hypothermia) to shore. Be sure to stay to one side of your kayak and if possible don't get ahead of it (unlikely even with flippers in most surf). If you come to an area where the breakers have subsided you may need to push the kayak towards shore again but keep looking over your shoulder so that a breaker doesn't slam you into the kayak or the kayak into you before you can get away from it again. Hanging on to the kayak is possible in smaller surf but then most likely you could have paddled in rather than had to swim. Also note this type of landing should not be attempted where anyone else is likely to be in the surf (or wading near shore) and is unaware that your kayak may be coming in on its own. Matt Broze http://www.marinerkayaks.com/ *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************Received on Wed Jun 19 2002 - 00:41:36 PDT
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