In a message dated 2/5/2004 5:07:19 PM Central Standard Time, garygibbs_at_ameritech.net writes: > Ridiculous, or useful? What unforeseen problems could you solve if only > you > were *granted* 5 minutes of air: sandal strap caught... PFD strap jammed > somewhere... kayaking buddy having difficulty getting lined up for a bow > rescue? Divers will strongly suggest the severe damage that can occur by holding your breath with compressed air. Sea Kayaker had a review a while back of compressed air units for kayakers seeking a little more time underwater than the standard half gasp prior to full immersion usually allows. I used at one time a snorkel tube with a closed cell stand of sorts that fit under the thighs. But that arrangement seemed only meant for training and might be a pain to keep in the cockpit full time. A modification can easily be made to make it more permanent by someone handy with customizing. I saw a beautiful cedar strip boat that used a standard outtake hole cover for mounting a water bag in the day hatch and running the hose and bite valve up the rear deck. Nicely done. I may want to do something like that for my boat. It seems a person intent on making a bite valve type snorkel can make a permanent installation be unobtrusive. I can see problems finding a hose in thrashing water unless it were right there on your pfd. Double skirted drytops and drysuits may also make the hose difficult to find an outlet through the spray deck. The hose attempting to util ize cockpit air could take in water forcing one to clear it prior to inhaling; not something I'd be happy to do. Also, the hose could dislodge and draw water from a pool in the cockpit causing more trouble than taste alone. A 96 ounce platypus mounted behind the seat with the bite valve coming out someplace easily accessible might be a possible solution for at least a couple breaths. But still, its up to the victim to make it happen with a roll. Rob G It is an interesting idea *************************************************************************** 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 Thu Feb 05 2004 - 16:11:44 PST
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