RE: [Paddlewise] PFDs have their moments

Daniel said:

>Only unintended wet-exit I've had to do in the last 1000 hours of fairly
serious paddling was BECAUSE I was wearing a PFD. Caught in turbid water and
couldn't get under the kayak to get my roll on where there was solid water
to push against - and trust me when I say that I was NOT willing to leave
that cockpit until I gave it everything I had. Not that I plan to stop
wearing one, but I'm moving to an approved inflatable suspender type PFD
this season. I'd like to be able to control when I have bouyancy and when I
don't. Only reason I'm mentioning it is that this issue isn't as black and
white as it seems. Good personal choices are what makes a good paddler
better.<
 
~daniel~

I notice a difference between the two types as well; I have both, including
two suspender styles, one unmodified and one modified for gear. I can chose
whichever I want for the conditions I expect to be prevalent (for a day
paddle anyway). There are _definitive_ advantages to each type, though I may
splurge on a flotation PFD with the adjunct C02 as a compromise some day
when I get a new boat.

Whenever I get a new piece of gear or PFD, anorak with a hood, etc., I go
out and try the gear in every conceivable permutation I can think of,
including layback rolls for snagging - you name it.

I actually like the full support of a fully foam-filled PFD for sculling and
generally don't worry about the situation you site. It sometimes comes down
to being able to understand the best way to manipulate your paddle over to
the desired location, either by slicing or spearing. Big bladed paddlers
with a long shaft can be difficult. However, enough whitewater paddlers have
been in tight spots on the river around rocks and bad hydraulics that I know
that the situation can be mastered, though I generally like my river shorty
these days with sufficient flotation and torso protection. 

Having said all that, nothing is black and white when it comes to sea
kayaking. Anyone who says it is, must be either a kayak club trip
facilitator who has club policy that must be maintained, or someone who
truly has an idiotic view of life from the seat of a small vessel.

I need to get together with you sometime Daniel; just trying to get my head
above water here at home - had another deplorable week with bad news from
Yvonne's physician. 

I assume your enthusiasm for sea kayaking hasn't waned yet. 

Doug
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