On Apr 13, 2009, at 7:07 AM, Scott Hilliard wrote: >> 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. It is never someone's intention to need to rescue themselves, so if we base what we teach on what people intend, we would not bother teaching any self rescue techniques. As a practical matter, it is really beyond the upper-limit conditions where any rescue is most likely to be required. A self-rescue rarely needs to be used when people stay within their limits. The whole reason for teaching them is because people often find themselves beyond their limits despite their best intentions. If I have any problem with the paddle float rescue it is that people are very unlikely to practice it extensively in real-world conditions. Doing a full real world practice from paddling along with the float un- inflated and stowed, through a capsize and swim, back to a point where the paddler is able to make full progress again is a major iteration (more than 15 seconds). Where a half dozen full-and-complete rolls can be practiced in a couple minutes with little impact on the progress of a paddle, the same can not be said for a paddle float rescue. As a result it seldom practiced as extensively as it deserves. Nick Schade Guillemot Kayaks 54 South Rd Groton, CT 06340 USA Ph/Fx: (860) 659-8847 http://www.guillemot-kayaks.com/ *************************************************************************** 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 - 08:46:26 PDT
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