Re: [Paddlewise] Surf-Ski Death

Falling off a surf ski usually isn't significant.  Falling off, in
strong winds, having your boat leash disconnect, and your boat blow away
is very significant.

Having a backup leash, possibly from pfd to the stern of the boat seems
appealing.   Adding a couple of surface mount eyelets with a length of
chord, at each end of the boat also seems worth considering.  

Having a good remount on a surf ski is akin to having a good brace in a
sea kayak.  You really don't want to leave sheltered conditions without
the skill.

The blog for custom kayaks has a lot of good pictures of surf skis.  My
purpose in this is to show people what the boats are and the lack of
grab points anywhere but near the cockpit.

http://customkayaksblog.wordpress.com/

Kirk
surf ski paddler for the last 15(?) years.


On Friday, October 14, 2011 11:28 AM, "Carey Parks"
<carey_at_jimparksfamily.com> wrote:
> How hard would it be to pack a sea anchor someplace where if the
> paddler falls off or the boat inverts it would be activated? Maybe the
> seat could be a hatch with a lightly spring loaded sea anchor under
> it? Latched "saftey on" when not needed, and unlatched "safety off"
> when aboard and paddling?  For those who may have been sky divers, I'm
> thinking of the spring loaded pilot chute on our rigs in the early
> 70's to deploy the chute after the rip cord was pulled. I dunno if
> they still are used. (he looks...) Yes, like this:
> 
> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pilot_chute

-- 
  Kirk Olsen
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