Matt wrote: >ACA literature has in the past totally ignored the possibility of fixing the paddle to the back deck. Matt Broze wrote: >Since anybody could add some eyelets (or a Nimbus system) to their kayaks quite easily I don't see why the ACA shouldn't also point out the advantages of fixing the paddle to the deck if it can be done with the kayak being used. Shawn: They do. Just because they ignored it in the past, doesn't mean they aren't currently advocating the option to fix the paddle to the kayak. See: http://www.acanet.org/pdf/beginnersguide-spread.pdf See page 19, "When holding the other end tightly to the boat ( or fastening to deck rigging) , the paddle forms an effective outrigger, making the kayak more stable and easier to enter" Some kayakers could easily add the Nimbus system to their kayaks. A lot of kayakers are all thumbs, and reluctant to put drill to kayak. A recommendation from the ACA, Shawn Baker, Matt Broze, or God herself won'd likely prompt the average paddler to do that level of modifications. If it doesn't come out of the plant ready for use, chances are, most kayakers are not going to make it happen. I salute the thought you've put into your deck rigging, and there are some other great, thoughtful manufacturers out there...but you oughtn't defend them all...they're not all at that level. 1/8" bungie "chrome" doesn't count. Matt: >ACA mention of using a fixed outrigger might encourage more manufacturers to make sure their deck arrangements work well for this method. Shawn: Unlike the BCU's relationship in Great Britain with kayak manufacturers, I don't see US manufacturers deferring to any kayaking club for advice. Do you? Matt: >Actually, I think the manufacturers are way ahead of the ACA in this regard. Shawn: I disagree. I still don't believe that the average kayak has adequate rigging for a fixed paddle rescue. Maybe I need to get out and survey the latest crop of commercial offerings, but what I've seen have had pretty weak or non-existent bungies. The ACA says hold the paddle to the kayak or fix to rigging. How can you be way ahead of an either-or statement? Shawn __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! SiteBuilder - Free, easy-to-use web site design software http://sitebuilder.yahoo.com *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************Received on Wed Jul 23 2003 - 09:23:44 PDT
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