In a message dated 9/27/2006 9:23:39 AM Pacific Standard Time, douglloyd_at_shaw.ca writes: I remind paddlers that paddlefoats can contribute to shaft breakage if you are not careful using them in heavy seas. I carry a SeaSeat in a custom pouch on my inflatable Mustang; a single-chamber paddlefloat for rapid deployment on my foredeck; and a dual-chamber paddlefloat on my rear deck. Both the latter have cord attatchmnets. I have a heavy duty paddleshaft. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Not to pick on dear ol' Doug but I have given up the paddlefloat on deck, opting to store it between my seat hanger and gunnels inside the cockpit. I like clean decks, but I also have witnessed the floats washing off, extending to the limit of their tether, filling with water and pinning the paddler to the waves. One capsized but rolled back up, hauled his 25 pound paddlefloat up and emptied out, slid it under deck bungies and got out of the rock garden before he got stuffed by a set. Another was broached and couldn't reach the rear deck tethered float and had to brace while the now beam seas rocked her. Wayne Horodowich, in his DVD Fundamentals of the Surf Zone, describes how to surf proof his paddlefloat by wrapping it carefully around bungies on the front deck. If it works for him, fine, but there is no advantage to it being there as opposed to between the seat hanger, strapped behind the back band, etc. The disadvantage is that surf will eventually work anything loose and sometimes when you don't want it to happen. Seen it happen quite a few times when it didn't have to. No harm done to the individuals, but the possibilities were endless. Having said all that, you may have a kayak with a seasock and wisely not put it in the cockpit as you will have to pull the sock partially off to get at it. Mine goes in my PFD under those circumstances. I used to roll it up around a single back deck bungie and tension the fastex buckle/tether arrangement hard to surf proof it. It never failed there for me, but if it does I will not like having to reach around in bumpy water to get at it. Just my 2 centavos! 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/ ***************************************************************************
I've never used a paddle float except for practice. However, I figure I'm not likely to need mine unless I'm out of the kayak, so I carry it on the rear bulkhead of the cockpit under a couple of lightweight bungies. It is easy to grab whether I'm in my seat (if the spray skirt is loosened) or in the water. It is not tethered, but it is off the deck and out of the way. Chuck Holst *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
Oh I know only too well what its like to have gear coming loose off one's deck. I use well-secured net bags now, fore deck and rear. Loose lips may sink ships (or get you diseased), but loose gear causes fear. :-) Doug Lloyd >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> > Not to pick on dear ol' Doug but I have given up the paddlefloat on deck, > opting to store it between my seat hanger and gunnels inside the cockpit. > I like clean decks, but I also have witnessed the floats washing off, extending > to the limit of their tether, filling with water and pinning the paddler to > the waves. *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
Rob wrote >I remind paddlers that paddlefoats can contribute to shaft >breakage if you are not careful using them in heavy seas. G'Day, Thanks for the warning. I've also had paddle blades break when practising paddlefloat assisted reentry and rolls in flat water. A combination of making the roll fairly slow, only blowing up half the bag and using a stronger paddle seemed to fix the problem. All the best, PeterO *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
PeterO wrote: > > A combination of >making the roll fairly slow, only blowing up half the bag and using a >stronger paddle seemed to fix the problem. > > My Greenland instructors used to yell at me to slow down my roll. Slow rolling makes for better rolling. Dont let your mind wander to cannabis either. Jim et al *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
Jim wrote: - >My Greenland instructors used to yell at me to slow >down my roll. Slow rolling makes for better rolling. G'day, I guess slow rolling on flat water will help develop good technique. OTOH I like to be able to roll fast and strong as well because the times I usually roll for real are in the surf when I want to get up quickly to avoid the next wave. Having said that I use an elementary Pawlatta roll which the instructor refers to as 100% reliable as he shakes his head and weeps. I'm resolved to make my sweep roll 100% reliable this summer. Almost there:~) All the best, PeterO *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
When I roll in rock gardens, I roll fast - damn fast. > Jim wrote: - >>My Greenland instructors used to yell at me to slow >>down my roll. Slow rolling makes for better rolling. > > G'day, > > I guess slow rolling on flat water will help develop good technique. OTOH > I > like to be able to roll fast and strong as well because the times I > usually > roll for real are in the surf when I want to get up quickly to avoid the > next wave. > > Having said that I use an elementary Pawlatta roll which the instructor > refers to as 100% reliable as he shakes his head and weeps. I'm resolved > to > make my sweep roll 100% reliable this summer. Almost there:~) > > All the best, PeterO *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
In a message dated 9/28/2006 1:03:20 PM Pacific Standard Time, rebyl_kayak_at_iprimus.com.au writes: Thanks for the warning. I've also had paddle blades break when practising paddlefloat assisted reentry and rolls in flat water. A combination of making the roll fairly slow, only blowing up half the bag and using a stronger paddle seemed to fix the problem. ....................................... I've since stopped using deck rigging for fixing the paddle to the kayak. Instead, I grip the cockpit rim with my hand and the paddle shaft, hop up on the rear deck, slide in and call it good. 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/ ***************************************************************************
>I've since stopped using deck rigging for fixing the paddle to the kayak. >Instead, I grip the cockpit rim with my hand and the paddle shaft, hop up on the > rear deck, slide in and call it good. > >Cheers, > >Rob G > >Is the under the deck rigging paddle float rescue still taught? An honest question and not some kind of condemnation of the practice. > > Jim et al *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
In a message dated 9/28/2006 1:24:49 PM Pacific Standard Time, JFarrelly5_at_comcast.net writes: the under the deck rigging paddle float rescue still taught? An honest question and not some kind of condemnation of the practice. ............................................................................ I see it sometimes out here (PNW). Lots of kayak manufacturers devise various fixed paddle float rescue systems to their back decks. Take Seaward, for example: Even the Nigel Foster series has a fixed paddle float option. It was Nigel's article in an old Sea Kayaker magazine that I learned the hand/paddle on the cockpit rim method. Perhaps the guy from Seaward on the list can enlighten us further if he's following the thread. When I teach someone the rescue I'll show them how to use their rigging, if they have it, but I'd just as soon spend more time on the hand/paddle/rim method. Everyone I've taught got it really quick. I won't stray too far anymore into the polemics of this is better...no, it's not...learn a re-enter and roll, instead...kind of thing. I think you should learn them all and sort it out yourself. By the way, our NDK boats do not offer a very substantive place for a fixed paddlefloat system, unless you devise one yourself. I'm not interested in adding one. 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/ ***************************************************************************
In a message dated 9/29/2006 5:19:41 PM Pacific Standard Time, douglloyd_at_shaw.ca writes: When I roll in rock gardens, I roll fast - damn fast. .............................................................. You and me both. It ain't a symposium out there. ; ) 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/ ***************************************************************************
Rcgibbert_at_aol.com wrote: > In a message dated 9/29/2006 5:19:41 PM Pacific Standard Time, > douglloyd_at_shaw.ca writes: > > > When I roll in rock gardens, I roll fast - damn fast. > > You and me both. It ain't a symposium out there. ; ) I remember speed skating at the Olympic Oval in Calgary (the '88 Olympic facilities). There were some elite skaters there training. I couldn't skate as slow as they could. They skated lap after lap in absolute slow motion. Once they finished with the technique training, I couldn't skate anywhere near as fast as they could. There's times when slow is good, and times when fast is good. Slow training leads to fast and good. Fast training just leads to fast sometimes. Mike *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
Rob, yeah, I tend to slow down my roll (sea kayak specific situations where below-surface obstructions are not present) in currents, or heavy wind/sea states. Often it's not the actual roll I slow down, but the orientation under water, either to aid rolling up up with the wave, roll up to be pre-braced into the wind, or whatever the hydraulics suggest. For fast-as-lightning rolls in rock gardens, for example, I always make sure I end with a brace and scull, usually with the paddle a bit forward so I can initiate a turn - which may be needed to avert further disaster. I should be back out on the water this winter. My valve specialist said today he's delaying surgery as I need managed, intigrated team surgery care for the next 25 years now that my assending aorta is turing into mushy toast. He's a paddler himself, and feels no one should have surgey just to be able to keep up a lifestyle that includes putting yourself in harms way all the time. So, I'm just going back to my old ways. If I croak in my crokies on the water, so be it. Doug Lloyd *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
In a message dated 9/29/2006 10:17:09 PM Pacific Standard Time, mikedaly_at_magma.ca writes: There's times when slow is good, and times when fast is good. Slow training leads to fast and good. Fast training just leads to fast sometimes. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Yesterday at Westport, WA, our local surf break, the buoys were pinging 6 feet at 14-16 seconds. The outer breaks were HUGE. The reform itself went up to 6 feet and the (very) few times I managed to claw my way out to the last of it I thought better of it as the waves closeout nature sent spray to the heavens. I tucked my tail in and ran away on the smallest swell I could find and that one was pretty darn big. Enough to have that going over a cliff feeling and the required beatings below. After extended submariner tour of duty there was nothing that could be done but to wait it out and roll slowly when the worst of it was over. The Ocean won. Cheers, Rob G Who has that slight grin from feeling like he got away with something yesterday. *************************************************************************** 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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