Re: [Paddlewise] Spray skirt issue?

From: Craig Jungers <crjungers_at_gmail.com>
Date: Tue, 1 Jul 2008 14:17:20 -0700
On Tue, Jul 1, 2008 at 11:54 AM, Michael Orchard <mspadorchard_at_comcast.net>
wrote:

>
> That said.... sure it could have been a spray skirt problem, esp with a new
> boat and new skirt...


Matt Broze or one of the other manufacturers might want to address this, but
I don't believe that there is a "standard" for cockpit coamings. And I've
noticed that some boats have deeper coamings than others. It's probably
worthwhile for any paddler in a new boat or with a new spray deck to
practice pulling that loop or toggle to make sure that it comes off easily.


> but one thing worth knowing and practicing is the release of the spray
> skirt by putting your hand down the between your skirt and year body, and
> popping it off with your fist, as close to the cockpit or the side as is
> possible for good mechanical advantage.


Jim Farrelly's link indicates that the woman paddled Class IV water and was
a white water instructor so it seems likely she knew this technique. As you
indicated, Michael, it could have been anything. But it's certainly a good
idea to practice the hand down your spray deck's tunnel. It's especially
important if you have a drysuit that includes a part that folds over the
tunnel as this could thwart any attempt to move your hand down between your
body and the tunnel.


Craig Jungers
Moses Lake, WA
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Received on Tue Jul 01 2008 - 14:42:31 PDT

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