Re: [Paddlewise] Rolling a double

On Thursday 11 October 2007 04:54, Robert L wrote:
> Rolling a double is more of a circus trick than a method of self-
> rescue. If the conditions are bad enough to capsize a double, it is  
> almost inconceivable to me that two kayakers could harmonize their  
> rolling efforts to get up.

Rolling a Klepper Aerius II by a pair of experts have been demonstrated in 
the US, but that is certainly not something even experienced paddlers are 
used to!

If a loading hatch is to be opened at sea it should, of course, be equipped 
with a seasock, or similar - even some classic Inuit kayaks are nowadays 
equipped with flexible walls, made out of fabric glued to the inside of 
the hull.

> I think that the problem is getting the water out. There is a LOT of  
> water in a capsized double. Enough to destabilize what starts out as  
> a very stable platform.

In a Klepper Ae II there can be close to half a ton! The sponsons along its
sides makes it fairly stable in that position, but you need a high capacity
electric pump to empty it in any kind of seas, and the sprayskirt must be 
in place. That would most likely be ripped off, at least partly, if you 
have rolled! Long Haul's version is much better, as it turns the big
skirt into two smaller (normal) ones and one big, covering the coaming.

Hannes Lindemann, who in the Fifties twice paddled across the Atlantic,
once using a Klepper Aerius II, rolled a few times accidentally. Somehow
he got the boats right side up, and bailed them successfully. Can't imagine 
how he did it, as the feat seems to me impossible!

Tord
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