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

From: Steve Holtzman <sh_at_actglobal.net>
Date: Thu, 24 Jul 2003 21:43:04 -0700
----- Original Message ----- 
From: Matt Broze

 Maybe the CA segment of the ACA is setting the rescue
instruction agenda. I developed the paddlefloat rescue back in 1981 and
spent a lot of time refining it afterwards. It is very frustrating to see my
"baby" being dismissed for reasons having to do with the poor way it is
being taught by most ACA instructors, rather than for the way I developed,
refined and promoted it (instructions for which can be found in the "Rescue
Float" manual on our website).

Matt,

As one of the CA contingent of paddlers, all I can say is THANKS for coming
up with the idea of the paddlefloat rescue and refining it. It is one of
several techniques in my bag of tricks for surviving a capsize.

Although I don't do it exactly as you developed it (I use the "CA way" of
starting behind the paddle shaft), I have found this re-entry works
extremely well. I have done a lot of practice with it, and had the
"opportunity" to use it in 25 knots with 11 foot breaking swells. A standard
assisted T was almost impossible, until we incorporated the paddlefloat
re-entry with it. Everything worked well then and what could have been a
tragedy bacame nothing more than a story to share.

I personally think every boat should come from the factory *properly* rigged
for it and not with the chrome that you mentioned in an earlier post.

Steve Holtzman
Southern CA

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Received on Thu Jul 24 2003 - 21:43:12 PDT

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