Date: Fri, 10 Jul 1998 14:32:26 -0400 (EDT)
From: Kirk Olsen <kolsen@imagelan.com>
To: Ted Gallo <tgiii@flinet.com>
Subject: Re: [baidarka] roomier boats
In-Reply-To: <199807101633.MAA29515@shell.flinet.com>
On Fri, 10 Jul 1998, Ted Gallo wrote:
> I have never made a long trip in a kayak. But after listening to the
> exploits of this group I would like in all seriousness to ask a question
> that has been bothering me. When you are far from shore in a narrow kayak
> with a spray skirt attached, how do you answer the call of nature? ( ie.
> urinate or defecate) I have never seen any mention of this potential
> problem.
I believe this was covered in the last 6 months on the paddlewise mailing
list. I think the archives are at http://www.gasp.org/paddlewise
For canoe and kayak races it's not unusual to urinate in your boat.
Assuming you have time to stop paddling you can raft up with another
boat and slide out into space and have a nature call. Derek Hutchinson
usually tells a story, at sea kayak symposiums, about crossing the North
Sea. The story includes a bit about his needing to raft up for a
defecation break during the crossing. If you are really good with a paddle
float you might be able to use the paddle float to brace with.
One man, that I know of, has an external catheter and a waste bag
that they paddle with when they are out for an extended time.
I've also heard of using a container to collect urine, a method reportedly
used by long haul truckers. For the ladies something called a Lady J,
available from Campmor, can be used to help fill the container.
kirk