Re: [Paddlewise] Ferry Crew Rescues Seattle Kayaker - Update - Sponsons?

From: Scott Hilliard <kiayker_at_sbcglobal.net>
Date: Mon, 13 Apr 2009 04:07:35 -0700
> In the 20 years of teaching paddle float rescues how many classes were 
> held in 30+ knot winds?

   I teach beginner and intermediate classes. It is not my job to try to 
make expert kayakers in my classes. My job is to give these people the 
tools they need to recognize their limitations and safely and properly 
expand upon said limitations if that is their goal. The overwhelming 
majority of people who have been through my classes are probably not 
interested in ever taking a kayak out in 30+ knot winds. And I hope I 
have made it clear to those few who are interested in pushing their 
limits beyond the class that it requires constant practice, knowledge 
and judgment to reach that level.

   As far as the paddlefloat rescue goes, once the float is inflated I 
can easily re-enter the boat in less then fifteen seconds - even in very 
rough conditions (and I have practiced this rescue and others in real 
conditions). That does not give the boat a lot of time to be turning in 
the wind, and I have never found that to be a problem. Of course the 
bottom line here is that if you are not confident in your abilities to 
handle the conditions then you shouldn't be out in them.

Scott
So.Cal.
***************************************************************************
PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed
here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire
responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author.
Submissions:     PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net
Subscriptions:   PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net
Website:         http://www.paddlewise.net/
***************************************************************************
Received on Mon Apr 13 2009 - 05:55:08 PDT

This archive was generated by hypermail 2.4.0 : Thu Aug 21 2025 - 16:31:34 PDT