In a message dated 1/1/2005 2:06:13 A.M. Pacific Standard Time, birdseyclan_at_iprimus.com.au writes: I'd never even heard of a surf drogue before this posting yet alone thought that you would want to deploy such a thing in the surf. The thought of having a mass of cord and material chasing me down a wave (which is surely what it would do once you are through a break zone) fills me with horror. Also a scenario where it holds you in the dumping break instead of getting washed through it could result in a repeated and way ugly trashing even in small waves. Not to mention I wouldn't like to have to rescue someone entangled in the thing. What's wrong with a broach anyway? That's just what kayaks do and trying to use a parachute to make them run straight is just unnatural. Skills like ruddering, brace / support and a reliable combat roll is the go. I worry that substituting basic skills and good tactical padding with bits of gear sets a bad precedent and mind-set. The comment of a surf drogue is made based on an incapacitated paddler that cannot land on their own. How would you land someone if that was your only option? 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/ ***************************************************************************
yep. I played with drouges in surf and wind and they are a tough option to rely on IMO. lot's of junk to go wrong and when it goes wrong it goes seriously wrong. It IS un-natural running in on a swell with a line holding you offshore. You could always hook a towline or two to an injured paddler and let em in that way, or something I have tried and seemed to work. get outta your boat and ride/swim in holding the victims boat as a human sea anchor. steve (who loves to swim and play in surf!) *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
The key question is: will trying to get them ashore exacerbate the existing problem or create new and more lethal ones? If the casualty is severely incapacitated then the answer is most probably yes. If seriously incapacitated then providing physical support is critical as they are going to capsize as soon as you let go of them and possibly not wet exit. Sending them off into the surf in their boat is suicide even if they use a drogue or what ever. Trying to support and surf them in will result in major carnage with new casualties resulting from boats smashing into each other (the Horror the Horror). Even tipping them out of their boat and letting them float in would be dicey as they may not be able to look after themselves, get caught in rips - the list goes on. We'd look at forming a raft to support the casualty and start a rotating V tow towards a safe landing spot. The supporting boat provides reassurance, water etc. to the casualty. We have effectively towed people for hours rotating towers every 20 mins. If you are miles from anywhere then tow into the prevailing conditions to maintain position and call in rescue services. Even if they have been severely injured (eg. shark attack or advanced hypothermia) I would be very reluctant to take them into the surf zone. Richard Sydney Australia *************************************************************************** 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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