Re: [Paddlewise] Paddling in doubles.

On Wed, 2003-06-11 at 17:25, Rafael Mier Maza wrote:
> >
> >
> >A double is good. But dump a double in rough water and, well, you know...two
> >water-logged cockpits for the price of one.
> 
> My short experience with doubles has forced me to think that they can be 
> very nice reliable boats that can take easier rough conditions that singles 
> would have difficulties with.
> 
> For some reason doubles are not very popular but my finding has been.  (of 
> course it depends on the type of boat you use).
> 
> 1.- In rough surf in Padre Island in 2002 my partner and I could go out and 
> back many times. We capsized on the first attempt but after we synchronized 
> ourselves we repeatedly crossed the breakers and came back, doing some 
> heavy braces at times, but had a blast picking up 4 - 5 foot waves and 
> running in to shore.
> 
> 2.- Rescuing ourselves in doubles is much easier than in singles. I have 
> done rescues in the surf zone. One paddler holds the boat while the other 
> climbs, and he can pump his side for better balance or brace while the 
> other climbs up. Another method has been like this. I have left the other 
> paddle on one side and filled my paddle float and made a reentry and roll 
> and kept the float as an outrigger while the other boater climbs up and we 
> both pump out water.
> 
> 3.- Rolling the double works very well with two 80% efficient rollers. One 
> paddler hits the boat under the water two times and both roll at the time 
> of the third hit. We have done it many times with good results. My friend 
> Juan Luis rolls the double by himself without paddlefloat. I can roll it 
> sometimes, but I can roll it always with a paddle float.
> 
> In the model we have tried, the front and back paddler are separated so 
> that they are closer to bow and stern and turning is so, so easy, because 
> the front paddler only makes half sweep stroke, from bow to middle and the 
> back paddler sweeps from middle to stern. 8 strokes suffice to do a full 
> 360 degrees turn. Of course edging the boat helps a lot and since it is 
> wide at the center, the edging works very well.
> 
> Our friends Arthur Hebert and Larry Koenig paddled a double in one good 
> piece of  their  www.lacostadelgolfo.com   circumnavigation, from 
> Chachalacas Veracruz to Chiltepec Tabasco in all kinds of water conditions. 
> Their comments are very encouraging.
> 
> If I was to do a rough crossing I feel more inclined to use my double with 
> a friend that can paddle more or less at my pace, than with the single. 
> Bracing, side strokes, turning, etc are done in the same way.
> 
> Other advantages.
> 
> One can take pictures. One can prepare lunch. One can rest or pee (it is 
> always good to take into consideration wind direction for the sake of the 
> other). One can swim to refresh himself, etc.
> 
> Best Regards,
> 
> Rafael
> el cayucochief
> www.mayanseas.com

I have debated answering this, as I think you are refering to "touring"
models.
But I bring forth this for your consideration, or entertainment
whichever.
I have used large doubles for over 30 years. Mostly SOF Kleppers/Folbots
and other handcrafted boats.
Of the major trips we have taken
Mississippi
Missouri
Yukon 
Amazon {aborted two weeks into trip civil unrest}
Mystic Seaport to Jacksonville

We have flipped our skin boats 4 times, all had masts and sails up
On larger expedition boats , one must be braced securely in cockpit to
even attempt to get them back up.
Lucky we use a mast floation cell on upper mast {to prevent a turtle}
Its no easy chore, and yes we have practiced without mast with spray
covers on...
On the type of trips/crossings we do its a must to be able to self
rescue your own boat/crew..
Our last dump was on a crossing from Flamingo to the Dry Tortugas
25 miles out.. We could not roll it back up even though mast was down
and stored. Without a exit of the boat. There was two of us on that
trip. But was easy once out.
Doubles are more seaworthy in rough seas, there is no doubt on that
Would we try long trips in two singles? No We would not as we feel safer
in the large boats, even though sometimes we go solo.A single will not
carry the supplies needed for a extended trip.
In my view, its all in what you train for... and practice
Even in a standard double, it takes practice practice for you and your
partner to master a double roll over..You have to fully know your
partner.And a calm head at sea prevails
Now thats the thoughts of me in the larger boats I prefer.
I.e payload ability and duration to stay extended days/months.

Authur/Larry Trip.

Im rather sorry they decided to abort trip in the most important leg.
Mex to Cubian coast  to Tortugas to Key West.
This was the important open water crossing to be considered a
circumnavigation. Im surew the sponsors are not happy.
They are to complete the trip at a later day from point of abort.
But it will not hold the record books for a ONE TRIP event.
Im interested in their final report on the Nigel Kayaks.
There are rumors another team are going to try the complete trip in 2004
non sponsored
W





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