Re: [Paddlewise] Sea Sock?

On Sun, Mar 15, 2009 at 1:20 PM, Derek <glamourpets_at_yahoo.com> wrote:

>
>
> Pam posted some useful instructions about how a sea sock is used.  These
> were helpful.


Yes, Pam is the only paddler I know who has recently paddled with one. She
has two Mariners with no forward bulkheads so they are more useful in that
context. Although inflatable flotation bags are easier to deal with, in my
opinion. As long as the floatation bags are big enough (they should fill the
boat from bow to foot pegs and from stern to seat back to be really
effective in floating the kayak well enough for a paddler to re-enter.

>
> I was actually pondering the sea sock as a safety item for cold weather
> paddling.  Air temperatures are finally warming here, but the water is still
> very cold (in 30F to 35F range).  It appears that the sea sock may not make
> that big a difference on a boat with bulkheads.  It could actually make
> things more difficult.


I think it would make things more difficult; especially if you paddle in a
drysuit. I find that there is already enough bulk in the drysuit (and
undergarments) than I like anyway.

I found it interesting that there were only a couple of companies that
> actually offered sea socks.  IT appears that they are not a popular item
> right now.  Perhaps they have been made redundant by current kayak design
> and construction?
>

Mariner Kayaks used to sell them and there is good advice from Matt Broze on
www.marinerkayaks.com if you look at the "manuals" drop-down window and
choose "flotation". About 2/3 of the way down is a write-up on sea socks and
cockpit pods. It's actually worth while for paddlers to read all of Matt's
"manuals"; they offer excellent advice and wisdom about so many facets of
sea kayaking. His comments on the drawbacks to sea socks are worth reading
for anyone contemplating the use of them.


Craig Jungers
Moses Lake, WA
(It's finally 57F here but the wind is fierce and the water temp is 33F.
Yikes!)
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