Re: [Paddlewise] Do your dry bags deflate air quickly?

From: ralph diaz <rdiaz_at_ix.netcom.com>
Date: Mon, 24 Feb 2003 10:15:10 -0500
----- Original Message -----
From: "Ashton & Leska" <allaha_at_earthlink.net>

> Thank you for clear explanations and advice on how exactly to use and
close
> drybags; really helps.  Re cold water here:  we're being careful to stay
> fairly close to shore on calm shallow lakes and flatwater rivers/sloughs.
> Next fall/winter hope to have $$$ to buy Kokatat drysuit w/ all options
> (expensive at _at_ $800 each!).  Until then it's baby-stepping with the extra
> fleece drybagged clothing in kayaks in case of dunking.

I don't think that being careful to stay close to shore will give you much
protection in case of a capsize.  My guess is that in cold water that you
would not be able to swim much further than a hundred feet or so before you
could pretty much lose it.  You may not be able to swim at all within a few
seconds of hitting the water, period.  My suggestion is that you wait for
better water temperatures and not count on the closeness of shore or the
fickle calmness of water conditions as your life support system.  Kayaking
tends to be a lifelong activity provided you live a long life.

ralph diaz

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Received on Mon Feb 24 2003 - 07:12:30 PST

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