Re: [Paddlewise] Elite racers

My contention is that the difference is implicit in the words "for  
giggles" and "inevitable" capsize.

These are very different circumstances than an "unexpected" capsize  
in extremely rough cold water. Surf is one thing but for open water  
to be rough enough to capsize a double and then think that the  
occupants would be able to roll up is to me so unlikely as to be  
uninteresting. If the occupants were such superb kayakers in the  
first place they would not have rolled unless the conditions were  
horrendous. Under such conditions people are tired and scared. They  
cannot hold their breath for long. This is not a situation where it  
is likely that they will have enough discipline for two people to  
coordinate such a thing. For one person in a single is a lot easier.

It takes a good deal of discipline for a single kayaker to roll. Many  
people who know how to roll or even know how to roll in rough water  
fail when such an event happens for real. WW paddlers roll as a  
matter of course. It is common to tip over in WW. Oceans surfers --  
the same thing.

However, sea kayaks rarely tip over unless the roll is deliberate. So  
the sea kayaker who tips over unexpectedly is facing a new experience  
(even if he is a good roller) which decreases the success rate.

A double magnifies all these issues. Double REALLY rarely flip. Some  
coordination between paddlers is required. (Even if one is assigned  
the task of getting out)



On Oct 10, 2007, at 5:34 PM, Scott Hilliard wrote:

> I have never been in a double with anyone who could roll. However,  
> I have taken doubles with passengers out in the surf just for  
> giggles and when the inevitable capsize occurs I would just hold my  
> breath and wait for the passenger to wet exit, then I would roll up  
> and have them climb back in again. It's really pretty simple and I  
> don't see why it wouldn't work in real conditions - after all, I  
> have managed it any number of times in the surf, which are pretty  
> real conditions.
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