Back Deck Storage: No. If you plan to use self-rescue over the back deck, you should have a relatively clear deck. Better to front-load, and keep the profile as low as you can, or re-think your needs. I've seen every type of rear deckload, and many were outsize and heavy (coolers, dutch ovens, huge duffels, etc.). I have used mid-loading (on the deck between paddlers) in a small double to good effect. We habitually carried our tent and our sleeping pads there, both fairly bulky items but not heavy. In the event of a capsize, the rear paddler had the rear deck for entry, and the forward paddler would have come in over the front deck, probably first, while the rear paddler stayed in the water and helped stabilize it. A mid-load does increase your windage, but at least it does not lead to weather helm or weather cocking. And, it is where the rear paddler can watch it. ----- Extra Gear Anecdote: A guy I used to paddle with was notorious for taking too much gear, and was in the habit of asking others to carry his extras. Finally, I put my foot down on one trip and refused to carry anything superfluous ... he groused at the put-in but managed somehow. I got my justification on the fifth day when he proudly exited his tent in a dripping rain, beaming away, with the announcement he had managed to use every single pair of the five (5) FIVE! sets of footwear he had brought. What really frosted me was he did not see the irony of his ways. But, at least I got a good story out of it. -- Dave Kruger Astoria, OR *************************************************************************** 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 Mon May 17 2004 - 08:01:04 PDT
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