: Hi Bill

: If I have to do an X rescue I try to keep the pressure on my deck bag and
: Spray skirt. I have to first remove my compass though if I have it with
: me. I avoid X rescues if I can. I do believe though that whatever works
: for an effective and quick return to the upright position in a dry boat is
: good.

: The floatation bag under the cockpit idea came out of a brainstorming game on
: this subject. Q.How do we empty a swamped, bulkheadless boat without the
: use of an X or a pump? A. pull out forward floatation - ensure full
: inflation with a few extra lungfulls - swimmer sinks flotation
: perpendicular beneath capsised cockpit - swimmer rocks boat slowly from
: stern (up down up down) like a sea-saw - boat rises as water flows out.
: (the boat in question was a big 19 footer)

: It worked first time. NB. I have never tried this in rough conditions.

: I suspect that with the addition of a few lengths of webbing, a bit of bungie
: and some velcro here and there, along with a little practice, a perfectly
: dry self rescue would be achievable.

: If this became the defacto method we would all of course be removing our
: forward bulkheads in order to be able to get at the now indespensible
: buoyancy bag.

: Damn! Now I've gone and re-inspired myself. I am now going to have to go and
: try it out for size. See what you have done?

: All the best and happy paddling.

: Etienne

LOL...wish I could go try, water here is a little stiff.

I also keep forgetting that most kayaks have much longer cockpits than mine, my "long" cockpit is 20" front to back and the glass one is an 18" circle, so the rescued boat is automatically on the fore deck. On the long cockpit the skirt is only 6" long from my belly to the coaming.

Bill H.