Re: [Paddlewise] (Paddlewise) Another new product/ stuff on deck

Just to put in my 2 cents worth.  I consider anything on the deck that 
doesn't add to survival as expendable in an emergency.  This includes my camera, my 
small airhorn, my water bottle, possibly my GPS as I have a deck compass, but 
not the fuzzy neoprene hood I keep tucked under the deck bungies when it is 
too warm to wear comfortably.
   In Puget Sound, water temp is around 46 degrees F (about 8 degrees C) year 
round, with air temps usually 50's to low 80's (10 to high 20's C). It's 
often very warm in a drysuit, dressed to be immersed, so I wear a light cap.  But 
if I'm in the water, I want the hood there to put on.  My paddle float is on 
the back deck, on top of the extra paddle, tucked under the bungies and 
attached with a tether that would not need to be moved if I use the paddlefloat.
    If I capsize and have to self rescue (don't have a roll yet) I will 
certainly not waste my time deflating and storing my paddlefloat after self rescue. 
 It will get deflated only enough to tuck back under the deck lines in case I 
need it again. 
   My pump is under my deck and the chances are, it would be stored right on 
top of the paddlefloat or under the front bungies after use.  I use a sea sock 
and would not want to deal with trying to replace the pump.
 
    I tend to look like a bag lady when I paddle, but I have a clear idea of 
priorities. I would never have a clumsy deck bag as my only paddlefloat, but 
as long as another is easily accessed, I would consider the deck bag if it 
worked in other ways. I'm currently considering getting a solid paddlefloat, just 
have to figure out where to put it!
   Note: most of the other important stuff- radio, flares, flashlight, 
whistle, knife, etc., is on my PFD.
                 Pam in Washington State
 



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