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From: John Kirk-Anderson <jka_at_netaccess.co.nz>
subject: [Paddlewise] Was paddle jacket
Date: Mon, 09 Sep 2002 21:34:00 +1200
This is a bit late on the thread of wearing a paddle jacket over a PFD, but
most correspondents on the subject seemed to have not done so.

I carry my jacket in a pocket on the back of my PFD, and can slip it on over
everything if needed. It is easily done, and beats removing a PFD while on
the water, especially considering that when it is required the conditions
have usually deteriorated.

Some points to note from my experience are that the jacket should have a
large front opening, but a full length zip that opens completely is a pain,
as the two sides then blow open and are difficult to close. A draw cord at
the waist helps tighten everything down. The model that I have was not
designed to be worn over other equipment, and consequently is a larger size
than normal. This means that the arms are too long and baggy. A purpose
designed garment would be better.

Rolling is easy enough with the jacket, and rescues involving climbing on
the kayak are smoother, as the jacket covers anything protruding on the PFD.
Good drainage via mesh openings would be an advantage.

It was noted by someone watching that when paddling in strong winds the
jacket inflates, which could interfere with control. This has not been my
experience.

Moving on, someone on Paddlewise mentioned that jackets worn this way would
cover any emergency equipment carried on the PFD, and this brings up the
question of what sea paddlers do carry. I personally carry that much
signaling and survival gear that I tested my loaded PFD to ensure it still
floated. I would be interested to learn what others think is needed.

Cheers

John Kirk-Anderson
Banks Peninsula
New Zealand

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From: PeterO <rebyl_kayak_at_iprimus.com.au>
subject: RE: [Paddlewise] Was paddle jacket
Date: Mon, 9 Sep 2002 21:50:25 +1000
John wrote:-
>I personally carry that much signaling and
>survival gear that I tested my loaded PFD
>to ensure it still floated. I would be
>interested to learn what others think is needed.

G'Day,

The following goes in my lifejacket:-
  	epirb
	whistle
	compass
	strobe
	knife
	nose clips

Only been in real trouble on one occasion and then it was the whistle that
got three of us out of strife, we were lucky because the sound doesn't
travel that far.

I would like to carry flares, food and water but generally they seem too
bulky. It might be useful to carry money and a dustbin bag but somehow I
never seem to do this.

Like you I'm curious to know what others carry on their jackets.

All the best, PeterO



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From: Peter Staehling <staehpj1_at_yahoo.com>
subject: RE: [Paddlewise] Was paddle jacket
Date: Mon, 9 Sep 2002 05:58:02 -0700 (PDT)
I haven't gotten fully converted to seakayaking yet in
this regard.  I still am mainly just carrying what I
did for whitewater paddling with some additions in the
boat.

On/in my PFD:
  1 - Power bar
  1 - Car key permanently attached
  1 - Whistle
  1 - Compass
  1 - Tube of sunscreen
  1 - knife
  2 - carabiners to use for a zee drag.  These are
clipped on the shoulder straps, one on each side. 
they are probably not of that much use when sea
kayaking.
  2 - Prussik loops, also for a zee drag.  Again
probably of little use while seakayaking.

In addition I carry the following in the boat:
  1 - First aid kit
  1 - Flashlight
  1 - Signal mirror
  1 - Paddle float
  1 - Pump
  1 - water bottle
  Some spare clothes as needed
  Some cash (in coins)

My list needs to be revised to reflect the fact that I
am no longer doing ww and am now paddling a seakayak. 
I plan to add a strobe and or flares.  I may stop
carrying the whitewater items, but haven't yet (force
of habit I guess).

Pete Staehling

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http://finance.yahoo.com
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From: <Rcgibbert_at_aol.com>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Was paddle jacket
Date: Mon, 9 Sep 2002 20:11:37 EDT
In a message dated 9/9/2002 5:05:52 AM Pacific Daylight Time, 
rebyl_kayak_at_iprimus.com.au writes:


> Like you I'm curious to know what others carry on their jackets.
> 

whistle, knife, mirror, small flashlight, noseclips, strobe, nicotine chewing 
gum, powerbar, lip balm, sunscreen and when on an actual trip add vhf, 
minolta weathermatic clipped to shoulder and flares.

Rob G

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