[Paddlewise] Paddle float rescues

As a large sized paddler(in kayaking I think they refer to it as
"grizzly")who paddles mostly solo, I've always been concerned with paddle
float rescues. I figure if I'm in conditions to knock me over, the idea of
being able to get my 200 and none-of-your-business pounds back in balancing
on a paddle float outrigger seems asking too much. It is why I am one of the
few who will admit to owning, dare I say it, sponsons! Not that I think they
are the answer instead, I figured in bad conditions I would need all the
help I could get.

Though I practice the outrigger rescues, I think people would be much better
off to learn to do paddle float reentry rolls. As people who have seen me do
it will probably tell you, it doesn't seem to take much technique. Neither
do I think it takes much more strength then the traditional method. I think
it is probably far superior in wind and waves. The major drawback could be
seen as having a cockpit full of water, but I think even that is easier than
dealing with climbing in a bouncing kayak. And my further solution to deal
with that problem is an electric bilge pump. It can pump out your kayak if a
fraction of the time while you are free to deal with the waves with two
hands on your paddle. Sure there is maintenance involved and a little added
weight, but for me it has made kayaking a lot less worrisome. I know people
don't like the idea of electronics at sea, but if I can put together a
system that has never let me down in the year I've been using it, I think
it's time to admit it can be done.

Mark Sanders
www.sandmarks.net
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