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From: <DMon707_at_aol.com>
subject: [Paddlewise] The Feathercraft Myth was July paddling in Maine -- paddlewear suggestions
Date: Sat, 28 Jun 2003 09:25:13 EDT
You can capsize any boat-- especially if you're a beginner. Feathercraft 
K-1's , when properly loaded for expedition, are pretty hard to capsize. They have 
sponsons that resist it (assuming you have remembered to inflate them!). The 
only time I have ever capsized in an expedition loaded K-1 was in a Baja 
norther in the surf zone on the north side of Montserrat Island south of Loreto. 
Fishermen were watching our launch and I became self-conscious and forgot to 
inflate the sponsons. (Never do a surf zone launch with the mast on!) But 
dressing for immersion is most important when you might have problems getting out of 
the water, which would be rare in a surf zone.

Which brings the second point. Properly loaded expedition feathercrafts are a 
snap to right when capsized-- much easier than an empty boat. (They're also a 
snap to C-to C roll, except that I don't get enough practice rolling a loaded 
boat because it's risky for the electronics and downright inconvenient if 
failed, so I prefer to practice with the boat empty).   And it is a snap to climb 
back in in calm weather. I've never carried a paddle float with mine for this 
reason. If a capsize were to occur in rough seas, I would always be with my 
partner. The two of us, in separate k-1's, can effect a rescue much more 
expeditiously than either of us could alone with a paddle float.

douglas in sf




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