Paddle Float Rescue

[kdwalmsley]

Any recommendations for how to secure the paddle to a tandem folding kayak during a paddle float self rescue? I have used straps on the flat deck of a 22” wide rigid kayak, but I am purchasing a Long Haul MKII. The Long Haul currently has only bungees on a peaked deck which is less than ideal. Ideas and pictures would be appreciated.

Cheers,

Kevin

[Jeremiah]

Hi Kevin
I'm not sure if a paddle float rescue is practical for a folding double kayak with its high peaked decks and extra buoyancy. Good for you for wanting to practice self rescue and maybe one of the members here can give you some advice for the paddle float technique.
An assisted type rescue with your partner might be the way to go and if you are solo, maybe a cowboy rescue, taking advantage of the wide and stable platform.
When I bought my Feathercraft Kahuna, I practiced the paddle float rescue all the time and was successful without too much drama. Then I took an all day kayak safety course, practiced the paddle float rescue with hard shell sea kayaks with their lower rear decks and found it so much easier to do compared to my higher, peaked deck Kahuna. I can't imagine trying it with that Long Haul.

[kdwalmsley]

Thank you Jeremiah. I will do a bit of practice when I pick up my folding kayak and post what I learn. If I have the time this summer I will film it. Plenty of rigid kayak rescue footage out there, but I didn't find much for folding kayaks.

Cheers,

Kevin

[Sagebrush]

Kevin, did you talk to Mark about this?

[robonaboat]

I had no trouble at all reentering my Longhaul mk2 after a capsize without any paddle float outrigger.
The boat was full of airbags and camping gear in dry bags, and had its spraydeck on so it didn’t have much water in it after it was righted.
I just swam onto the cockpit and flopped in first try surprisingly easy.
I don’t know if this would be as easy with an open empty mark2, but I think it would still work, because of the sponsons giving it some stability.

Rob

[gdwelker]

I have a kruger seawind, which is also a bit high sided with no place to secure a paddle for a paddlefloat rescue. I use a stirrup paddle float rescue technique. You should be able to google it.

[Rob]

I've never tried self-rescues in these, but have in much tippier plastic kayaks, with narrower beams.

Shoving the paddle under the bungies should work, as I think would just holding the paddle against the rim of the cockpit too, with one hand, while climbing in.

Doubles are so wide and stable, I doubt there would be a problem.

The cowboy maneuver should work well too, e.g. shimmying up over the stern while lying prone.

A final method, in addition to the paddle stirrup one mentioned above, would just be to try to crawl/swim up over the side. Lie prone on the water, and use your arms to pull yourself over the top of the kayak, while keeping your legs/feet in the water, and using them to frog-kick you forward over/into the boat.

Having someone to help steady/balance the kayak from the other side would be great, if available, but might not be needed.

I recommend trying these techniques in a calm lake, with adequate flotation in the kayak, and/or a seasock too. Don't forget your bilge pump(s).

[thalweg]

Paddle secured across coaming. Use webbing or rope loop for a stirrup.