[Paddlewise] Paddlefloats in big water

Doug wrote:-
>we've all heard of new paddlers under the illusion that a paddlefloat
>adds a high level of security to their outing - which it doesn't, really.
>...............................
>And I will say that offshore, in cold/high wind, "big" water up to your
>neck...well, give me my PFD or give me death. 

G'Day Doug'

Your comments in general and on paddlefloats rang a bell. I've carried one
for years but haven't closely questioned its utility. 

The safety gear I've used in a real rather than practise situation comes
down to: PFD, whistle, paddle-tether, quickly absorbed food, water, VHF
radio, lights, sail (as a signalling/visibility device as well as for
propulsion) and tow lines. I've never used a PLB or flares but that wouldn't
stop me from carrying them out at sea. But is it useful to carry a
paddlefloat, 'offshore, in cold/high wind, "big" water up to your neck...?'

Freya used combinations of paddlefloats and sponsons to help her rest while
afloat in big water, her descriptions of using them along the Zuytdorp
cliffs was challenging and I suspect the skill is uniquely hers. I've used a
paddlefloat to help a kayaker with back problems; also to try and develop an
offside roll; and I've learnt how to use it for assisting a re-entry and
roll or for getting in over the top of the deck. However, the deck rescue
looks impractical for big water and I find an unassisted re-entry and roll
much easier. I had assumed that a paddlefloat assisted re-entry and roll
would be helpful in big water, if one was so tired that a regular re-entry
and roll was not working. Your comments reminded me that this is a very big
assumption and needs to be tested.

All the best, PeterO
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