Re: [Paddlewise] Freezeup Questions

> I think that if you are that dependent on a paddle float in cold conditions, you 
> are in conditions that are beyond your abilities.  If you are solo, you should 
> be able to roll.  If you are in a group, you should be able to do an assisted 
> rescue.  If conditions don't allow an assisted rescue, find a fireplace and a 
> cup of hot cider.
> 
> Mike

I generally agree with this, but the original question was about 
whether an inflatable paddlefloat would freeze up when paddling on 
cold water and in cold weather.

My reply was that I'd use a solid paddle float in those conditions.

I do not roll, and have been unsuccessfull at learning. I tend not to 
paddle solo in "bad" conditions, but a paddlefloat re-entry is a 
useful tool in *my* arsenal of rescues. Even an assisted rescue -- in 
the times I've tried it -- goes faster with a paddlefloat helping 
out.

Notice I have tried to stress the "I" and the "my" in all this. Some 
people insist on a roll. That's fine. We won't be paddling much 
together, since my attempts to learn a roll have been failures. Some 
people say don't paddle solo. That's fine too, but I paddle quite a 
bit out by myself. I probably wouldn't do a solo circumnavigation of 
Lake Superior any time soon though.

In fact, I tend to get a wee bit nervous around people who start 
getting all dogmatic on me. 

But horses for courses. 

-- 
  Darryl (I'd like to get a fireplace on my kayak though)
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