A big discussion got started after I sent a trip report to Reef El Cabezo and Matt Broze asked me about the rescue method I use after a wet exit. I explained the method and Matt suggested giving it a name, which I did, and got some other questions and the debate started on traditional paddlefloat rescue invented by him, reentry and roll, the California style, ACA teachings, etc. So, I promised I was going to the lake, rescue myself using the "Mexican Rescue" method and have somebody take some pictures,.. and here they are. Additionally I was going to show that it is possible to hand pump in this arrangement with the sprayskirt in place. My colleague Juan Luis rode a Hydrobike to be stable and close in order to video film the sequence. From the video we digitized the most relevant pictures. You can find them at http://communiti.webshots.com/user/cayucochief. I can send the video to anybody interested if contacted off list. There are two albums at the beginning. One is the Mexican Rescue and the other uses ACA free shaft paddlefloat rescue until inside of cockpit, and then I use the blade under the thigh-brace outrigger, in order to pump comfortably, since the paddle was not fixed behind the cockpit. There are some things to mention here. 1.- I learned under the ACA teachings with excellent instructor trainer Andree Hurley. 2.- I have seen to tiredom the excellent tape Performance Sea Kayaking, in its rescue section. 3.- I did try for three years and thousands of rolls the most comfortable method for me. 4.- I teach Matt´s method and/or ACA method and allow students to try climbing on the bow or stern side of the paddleshaft, and with fixed or loose paddle and with and without stirup. 5.- I can roll with certain confidence now, but when a needed wet exit, I rather use the Mexican Rescue, specially under rough conditions or cold water. The secuence of pictures is obvious. You start accidentally capsizing, wet exit, legs in the cockpit for good holding and free hands, inflate the paddlefloat or place a styrene one, take a deep breath, slide in, roll, place the blade under the thigh braces, adjust the sprayskirt, pump out, close the sprayskirt, take away the paddlefloat, continue paddling and avoid capsizing again. It is obvious that it is easier to do under low wind conditions like in the pictures. Unfortunately I could not control that, but if you try it under shaky waters you´ll see that it works as well. On the second album (ACA method), the first steps are the same and are obviated, starting when climbing on the boat. The outrigger arrangement is the same. Finally, I will place on my boats a quick release string on the right side (or left side for left handed people), at mid cockpit coaming, that will hold the shaft and then I will be very very stable, and will be able to fish, eat, take pictures, etc. Hope you like it Best Regards, Rafael el cayucochief www.mayanseas.com http://community.webshots.com/user/cayucochief *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
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