RE: [Paddlewise] Dayhatches - the real problem is different

G'Day,

Thanks for all the advice on sculling braces. It was a bit too rough and
windy last weekend to practice but I will get into it when I'm back in Oz
week after next. However, the conditions were very good to practice
accessing the emergency bag from my day hatch.

In somewhat choppy water and without turning around at all, it was
straightforward to open the hatch and remove the dry bag. One handed opening
and closing the bag was also reasonable. Closing the bag and returning it to
the day hatch was slightly more difficult but not by much.

Heres the rub - Using the safety equipment single handed in choppy to rough
water!!! It seems to be a real challenge (Flares, EPIRB, mirror, telephone,
dye, patches). The only equipment I know I can use single handled is my VHF
radio which is the only thing tied on the front deck. The problem isn't the
day hatch its using the gear. I can see how to use the safety equipment when
rafted up or when out of the boat and hanging over its side. But I'm
predicting some real problems in handling some safety gear solo in rough
water while using a paddle to stabilise the boat!  Has anyone any experience
in this???

All the best. Peter


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