[Paddlewise] Leaky spray skirts and the virtuous beer gut

G'Day,

Had an interesting trip from Botany Bay to Sydney Harbour on Sunday when the
electric pump in my Pittarak was out of commission for repairs. The route was
27km, swell on the beam 2.5m, sea 1m and 10knots southerly following wind in
the morning swinging to 10-15 knots northerly headwind in the afternoon. We
aimed to get into Sydney Harbour before the headwind.

A couple of the party became seasick halfway and let us know in plenty of time
so we were able to land them at the halfway point. The second half of the trip
was unlandable due to surf beaches crowded with swimmers and surfers, followed
by a long stretch of cliff. We were late back on the water and the headwind
came up, we hit a one knot current and entered a long stretch of rebound.
Thats when I realised the value of a hands free pump and hydration system, and
the virtue of a well developed beer gut. Every wave that hit me emptied what
felt like a teacup full of water over the top of my spray skirt, which
although not loose was not a particularly tight fit and was the smallest size
available. This rudderless boat with a cockpit half full of water moved from
being a delight to a pain in the butt. It became more and more unstable in the
rebound and I completed the trip just focussing on staying upright and
paddling in a straight line. Consequently I couldn't open the day hatch for a
water bottle or use the hand pump fitted just behind me without risking a
capsize. What should have been a comfortable trip became something of an
endurance test.

I'm told hands free pumps are not that common in the US. Is that right? Has
anyone else experienced the same problem? (Apparently Freya did on that same
stretch of coast but in worse conditions). Tips on making a cockpit/spray
skirt combination more watertight in conditions where waves are breaking on
you would be most welcome. But please don't suggest I develop a beer gut /
paunch / pot belly - I've tried but to no avail. :~)

All the best, PeterO
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