Good morning everyone from the very Hot Northeast , a little cooler today

Once again thanks for all the help getting My shearwater merganser 17w finished a few months ago.

Ive had it out a bunch of times (fun boat but havnt pushed it at all , keeping it flat )

anyway Im at the point with the boat that I need to be able to practice /attempt some High bracing , leaned turns ...and figure out a Roll or two that will work with this boat/greenland paddle BUT I HAVE AN issue that makes this learning experience difficult.

I CANT STAY IN THE COCKPIT!!!

I have a keyhole 16 3/4 x 31 with kneee braces, good foot pegs and fairly snug hip pads.

I went to beach over the weekend to try some bracing bUT soon as I got PAST 90 DEG even with my knees tight against the braces I slide out of the cockpit like an oiled squid, my seals SPRAY SKIRT COMES OFF ON ITS OWN AND BAM!! IM IN THE WATER 5 ATTEMPTS.

good thing is that I was wondering how easy a wet exit would be as Im a 245LB guy and the cockpit is snug with lots of stuff hug under the deck. wet exit is very easy.

I never had a problem hanging in my white water boat when I was a Teen ( PRETTY tight fit AND HAD A neoprene SPRY SKIRT skirt) Im stumped on this one at the moment.

1) tequnique Just isnt quite right (suggestions)

2) Do I need to add padding to Knee braces (NONE NOW JUST THE PLY WOOD) to keep things tighter, more hip padding?

3) spray skirt is a Seals Tropical tour (Breathable fabric) and Its Cinched up pretty tight although it comes off on the sides on its own with a fair amount of pressure

again as soon as I get past 90 deg I slide right out of the boat and dont need to pull skirt grab loop.

frustrating

suggestions please

many thanks

"John"