RE: [Paddlewise] "ACA techniques" (was: Paddle Float division)

--- Matt Broze <mkayaks_at_oz.net> wrote:
> I've not yet seen anything from the ACA or in their curriculum (not
> that I've been looking that hard lately) regarding the benefits of
the
> fixed paddle system during the long time it takes to pump the kayak
out.

I don't think you'll be able to find that sort of dogmatic statement in
the "official party platform", either for or against.

>Even Roger Shuman (ACA) and Jan Shriner's (ACA) book "Sea Kayak
Rescue" mostly focuses on the supposed need to have a consistent paddle
width and the lack of good rigging on many kayaks that you may sometime
be paddling to poo poo

Attributing opinions and techniques from individual Instructors and
Instructor Trainers to the entire organization is a little too much of
a generalization.

Here's the official Basic Strokes and Rescues curriculum outline:
http://www.acanet.org/pdf/basic-strokes-rescues-course.pdf

It leaves a lot of interpretation to the individual Instructor and the
needs of their students.

> I'd like to see something in detail from the ACA on technique for
self rescues where pros and cons of which rescues work best when are
discussed. 

Why, so someone else can blast them later for being dogmatic?

> Nowhere is it stated that these complications wouldn't have to be
addressed if the paddle was fixed to the deck. 

So tilt at them, not the ACA.

>  Alas, even John shows only the California affectation of coming up
from the stern side of the paddle outrigger and laboriously
> switching hands and feet to walk over the paddle. 

So, in your view, is this ACA or California dogma?

> All I can figure is that few people ever practice pumping the kayak
> dry after reentering it.

If more did practice this, there would be an even stronger argument for
hands-free pumping systems.  (Or dry boat re-entry techniques)

Shawn

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