[Paddlewise] Flippers

Doug Lloyd wrote:
>My concerns are with situations where one might get caught in an along
>shore current and need the extra boost of the flippers. Also, hypothermia
>concerns are based on total time in the water, and diving type flippers
>with their powerful thrust potentiality get you where you want to go so
>much quicker

Matt Broze wrote: -
>SNIP---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----SNIP---this type
>of landing should not be attempted where anyone else is likely to
>be in the surf (or wading near shore)---SNIP

G'Day,

Thanks very much for the advice - 1 meter surf is OK for me unless its
dumping on the shore in which case I may have trouble getting out of the
boat, but I wouldn't use flippers for that. Larger waves have caused my boat
and wallet to suffer. Really need to improve my skills in this area. Your
comments gave me a better idea of whats practical with flippers and may have
saved me some broken bones!

The point about not trying this when people are in the water is well taken.
I worry when kayakers land through the surf with swimmers around and avoid
that situation like the plague.

All the best, PeterO


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