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Sea Kayaks Techniques Bulletin Board
Re: lying in kayak
Posted By: Randy Knauff In Response To: lying in kayak (Robert Enns)
Date: Friday, 10 December 2004, at 3:51 a.m.
: I read in probably more than one kayaking book that if you become very tired
: in a long crossing you can be very stable in rough seas if you lie down,
: or scrunch down as much as you can. I tried it in small waves, but seemed
: more unstable in that I rocked back and forth very quickly without the
: ability to dampen the movement with my hips. I also had very little
: ablility to brace, and a roll would have taken a lot of time to set up
: from there. It did not look too good to me- has anyone given it a real
: test??
: Robert (looking for something on the board)When you give up your good fit to the kayak by changing position, you give up much of your ability to control the boat.
A firm rectangular foam float that goes on easily and quickly helps solve some of these problems.
I used two pieces of high density foam taped with duct tape, fiber tape and duct tape again, with a tight slot that lets curved paddle blades in but holds onto them firmly, backed up with a wrap/tie that won't let you accidently kick or knock it off the paddle shaft during reentries.
But I never use it for reentries!!! In very rough seas, you can have it on your paddle in seconds. Because it has flat surfaces and fits very firmly on the blade, you have a bomb proof brace for most any condition and you can paddle with it to hold into the wind, get around a point, get to safety, get to another kayak to raft up, ride surf into shore, etc.
Put it in a good paddle park with the foam on the upwind/wave side and you have a great outrigger that can be back into your hands immediately if you need it.
I also carry an inflatable float to loan out to the unprepared or someone who lost theirs, to have a float on each side of a tired or injured person's kayak if I want to stabilize someone for towing.
Jed mentioned Ed Gillette's trip to Hawaii, I understand he also used inflatable sponsons along with his sea anchor when he rested or slept.
But good paddling partners and good judgment as to strengths and distances are still the best options.Randy
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