In a message dated 2/4/2004 12:57:04 PM Central Standard Time, whiterabbit_0117_at_charter.net writes: > I've been following the discussion with some interest and developed a basic > question. What is the advantage of the Roll-Aid over a foam or self > inflating paddle float? Wouldn't you be better off applying the paddle > float, roll up with the assistance of the float, and then use the paddle > with float as an outrigger while you get things back under control? > The roll aid is (relatively) compact and inflates to a large size in seconds. In that manner a capsize can be righted. For a paddle float, foam or inflatable, would have to be kept inflated and appears not to offer the 80 pound buoyancy of a roll aid. Greenlanders carried Avataq's on their rear decks. These were basically seal skin harpoon floats and they learned to roll with them. Paddlers can buy a synthetic Avataq from www.brookspaddlegear.com. Nontheless, it'll still be a large air filled sack under your deck bungies. The advantage of a roll aid is it's in the capsule until you deploy it. Once you use it it'll become like an Avataq until it is put back into its case and rearmed. No small feat on the water. Nor does the prospect of dragging a mini zeppelin through the water all day sound like a lot of fun, either. If I'm gonna do that it'll be filled with beer. ; ) The paddle floats are on your front or back deck the whole time assuming they don't wash off or get blown off. A foam float can be deployed if the customer keeps their cool underwater long enough to slip it on and roll up. I have a nice Northwater foam float, but I still carry the inflatables as I just hate schlepping all the bulky gear. But if one is suspicious of their combat roll why not make a snorkel breathing tube and run it under your spray deck and use that until your roll improves? Cheers, Rob G *************************************************************************** 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 Feb 04 2004 - 12:15:13 PST
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