Date: Wed, 26 Aug 1998 19:12:54 -0400
From: Chris Kohut <chriskayak@earthlink.net>
To: baidarka@lists.intelenet.net
Subject: Re: [baidarka] paddle leash
Doubtless this is a subject of some passion........nevertheless I shall
hazard my opinion. I surf a kayak (Necky Rip 'glass proto-type) perhaps 300
days out of the year here in Savannah, in Nor'easters and hurricane swell and
all (the last few days have been heaven), and have done so for the past 5
years. I tried a paddle leash early on in particularly strong winds and found
it cumbersome, and one more thing to worry about. Upside down in the surf's
impact zone upon reentry,(it happens to everyone), it can flail you nearly to
death, or worse. When the winds get upwards about a measured 40 mph or so,
(not that uncommon during our winter storms) I generally sit in my trusty VW
van with my hat in my hand, and wait out the wind. Its really not much fun at
40 mph and above.. .. I don't think attaching the paddle somewhere to the
boat is such a good idea either, for the same reasons. I suggest just keep a
death-grip on your stick bruddah. You can make better time in surf and rip
back to your boat incorporating a paddle stroke with your swimming, should the
unthinkable happen, (try it sometime, in controlled circumstances).
Chris
Bruce R Munson wrote:
> Can anyone provide information about a "paddle leash"? I have often though
> that such a device to eliminate the possible separation of boat and paddle
> during a wet exit in very windy conditions could be useful. Thanks.
>
> Bruce