[Paddlewise] FW: Paddlefloat Placement, was Sea Seat

Rob wrote: 

> Take Seaward, for
> example: Even the Nigel Foster series has a fixed paddle

My Nigel Foster Shadow by Seaward did not have anything to secure a paddle
for a paddlefloat rescue. Last spring, I discussed this with Nigel Foster at
the Symposium in San Diego. He stated that he didn't think it was necessary
because all kayakers should be able to roll and do a re-entry and roll.

The point that I took was that although, I can roll my boat, what would
happen if one of my arms or shoulders were injured - i.e. a shoulder
dislocation? I think it would be very difficult if not impossible for me to
get back in my boat with an injury like that.

Another reason for the rigging for the paddle float is if you have a paddler
who is ill. If there are only two of you, and you need to tow them, it is a
simple matter to take two paddles and put paddlefloats on them to make an
outrigger for both sides of the kayak.

Although, I would use a paddlefloat rescue as a last resort, there are times
that the rigging can be helpful. My Shadow has it added by me.

Steve Holtzman
Southern California
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