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1. 

   JoeWildlife
   Member

   Hey Whitecaps and other Sea Wind paddlers...

   I don't remember ever hearing of anybody in a Kruger capsizing...but I have practiced self rescue.  I can do it simply by climbing back in from the rear or side, IF the cockpit isn't full of water.  Adding float bags in the bow and the stern eliminates a LOT of potential water from entering the cockpit.  I can hang on to the boat and bail if necessary, to the point that the cockpit is empty enough for a safe reentry.

   What say you?  How do you satisfy the gear inspectors regarding this issue?

   Joe

    

   Posted 9 years ago #
2. 

   Macatawa
   Member

   I use a take-apart kayak paddle that fits into the front catamaran tube and an inflatable paddle float.  I'm curious what other's are doing though... thanks for asking :)

   Posted 9 years ago #
3. 

   Chief
   Coastal Vagabond

   I sail and paddle a Dreamcatcher and have recovered from a complete capsize in the middle of the night with no warning. Any kayak or canoe must have a usable paddle float or sponsons to aid in self rescue. You might be able to self rescue without a paddle float when practicing, but it is not enough to meet the requirements.

   I use a canoe paddle as my main paddle, but I carry a take-apart kayak paddle as my spare. I can insert the kayak paddle throught the front or rear "cat tubes" and then attach a paddle float. Having a sling ready to assist re-entry is a good idea especially if you have a "violent" capsize resulting in a dislocated shoulder or other injury.

   If you don't need the paddle float - great. But if you do need it you will be happy you have it.

   Other types of boats in classes 4, 5, and 6 need to have systems and equipment suitable for their craft.

   Everything I said regarding kayaks and canoes applies to class 3 too.

   Sit-on-tops are not always as easy to re-enter as some would claim. It doesn't hurt to have a paddle float system and a sling for these boats. Assume an injury and rough water.

   Posted 9 years ago #
4. 

   Danito
   Member

   I sail and paddle a Sea Wind. This is what works for me.

   Bailing:

   Kayak hand pump

   Empty water jug with the top cut out (also used for pee bootle)

   Sponge

   Recovery:

   amas and akas

   Paddle float

   Strap used as a stirrup

    

    

    

    

   Posted 9 years ago #
5. 

   whitecaps
   Member

    

   I carry a 6ft piece of thin wall ¾ alu. pole that is sealed and foam filled so it floats. I use it for polling, knocking down a stubborn rudder, a handle for pulling the boat on wheels long distant, holding up the center of a tarp, and self-rescue.

   It has a collar that I made from industrial heat shrinks to keep it from sliding completely thru the cat tube. Used as an aka I then clip my throw able class IV cushion for an ama on the end.

    The cushion rides in front of the seat and is used for a leg support at times and a table to keep things off the wet floor. It is also a seat at shore stops and a flat place for my JetBoil in the boat.

   I also have a ¼ in line that goes around the cockpit with the bitter end having a loop or stirrup. Whatever it takes to help an old guy up. Muscle coordination and agility suck after days of long hours and I only want to try this once if knocked over.

   Gear adds flotation and reduces the amount of water your hull take on. I can remove more water with a bailer then a pump pluse it has more uses for a boy. Use a heavy plastic like a gallon Tropicana orange juice jug. NO thin gallon milk or water jugs. 

   Make sure your boat does not get away from you, and as for the lee side or the wind side, you will have to figure that out. This will not be the calm shallow stuff you practiced in!

   I have been knocked over by a sweeper in the dark and the temp the day before was in the mid-twenties and I know of another triber knocked over in a river. Change of clothes and onward. Verlin lost his Loon in the Pacific once, a Crusier went over in a pass during an EC. and Chief and Sandy Bottom have swam with their Dreamcathers.  So it can happen.

   Always watch the wind in class 3. If it is clocking and you are off shore like the run from Sanibel to Marco you will be a long ways out in a short time. Suck it up and reverse course if you are too tired to paddle against the wind. I can rig a sea anchor from my seat and retrieve it!  I have no desire to visit Mexico with my Kruger. Know your own boat and do what works for it and you no matter what class. Ya gotta live and finish to get a tooth!

   toby                 

   Posted 9 years ago #
6. 

   Scareman
   Member

   I practice blindfolded paddle float reentries in my tandem kayak.

   It is amazing what gets stuck when you cannot see, like in the dark.

   Also, I make sure my paddles have a reflective band on them, just in case one gets away in the madness.

   Posted 9 years ago #
7. 

   JoeWildlife
   Member

   Thanks for the input, greatly appreciated.  I'll think I'll err on the side of redundancy and work up a stirrup, and bring a kayak paddle/paddle float to ensure I can do it in various conditions.  For bailing, I use a heavy gallon jug just as Toby recommends, and also have a manual pump and bilge sponge.

   Joe

   Posted 9 years ago #
8. 

   Fatfrank
   Member

   I've had the chace to teach a few older paddlers on re-entry and it enforces my ideas that paddles floats can be very handy if you are tired or stiff.  

   Also for the Krugers or any canoes and kayaks, slip floatation bags over your gear and inflat them to hold the stuff down.  The bags keep the heavy stuff down and help keep the boat upright in condition that would shift stuff around.  It also makes it easier to right the boat if the bottom remains the heavy side.

   Posted 9 years ago #
9. 

   Danito
   Member

   Frank- excellent idea. Thanks for sharing.

   Danito

   Posted 9 years ago #

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