Re: [Paddlewise] Launching in dumping surf

Niels wrote"

> <<In all the books and discussions I've read on kayakking, I never found
> any comments on the following way to launch a kayak in dumping surf,
> neither as a "do" or a "don't". Anyone got any comments?
> 
> I think it must be possible to SWIM the kayak out through the surf. You
> can dive under the waves yourself, preventing a bodysurf to shore. .....>>
> 
> Now I have never tried this nor do I think I would try this. Let's do a 
> little risk assessment. First, you are tying yourself via a tow line to an 
> approximately 70 lbs, 16 foot by 23/24inch floating object. This is going 
> to act as an anchor as you swim through the surf. Are you strong enough to 
> maintain forward momentum to pull the kayak? 
> 
> Second, we all know kayaks never want to go where we want to go in 
> difficult conditions. The kayak going through the surf is going to go where 
> it wants. It may capsize, is may turn sideways - increasing the area for 
> the surf to hit it, it may get filled with water at 8lbs per gallon.
> 
> Finally, you would be putting yourself into an entanglement risk. The kayak 
> gets trashed by the surf, you get trashed, one moves at a different speed 
> and direction. Next think, wammo, the tow line is around your body, neck, 
> etc and you are in deep, deep, trouble.
> 
> Finally, if you/one cannot paddle through the breakers, it is reasonable 
> that you can swim through with an anchor attached? Think not. Better to 
> wait on shore and drink some wine and comtemplate the dumping surf.
> 
> Sorry if this sounds harsh,
> 
> paddle hard, paddle safe, smile
> sid


***************************************************************************
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/
***************************************************************************