: . In a kayak, the floatation in the

: You are right Brian. If the floatation in the ends of the kayak make it ride
: too high in the water the side floatation will mostly be high and dry and
: not work. That's a good point I hadn't thought of. So, less floation in
: the ends would make the kayak sink lower and bring more of the side
: floatation into contact with the water and better allowing for a side
: rescue entry. That's a scary thought, less floatation makes for better
: rescue. Your thought changes the way I will build the floatation now. I
: will shape large end floations to press fit but not fiberglass seal it in
: yet and try it out in the water. If the kayak floats too high I will take
: the foam out and cut it down in size so the boat sinks lower in the water
: when flooded to get the side floatation in the water. But, even if the
: kayak is riding high while flooded and you craw into the cockpit from the
: side, the kayak tips and more compartment floation would seem to take
: place. This is going to be interesting and fun for me. My pond is only
: 300' from the house so I can fit and try very easily. I can build Ken
: Sutherland's kayak yoke to practice portaging to and from the house.

: Take care,
: John

Am I reading this right that a paddle float isn't part of your re-entry scenario here?

If I were trying to re-enter a swamped kayak without a paddle float, I'd be doing it from the stern-- "cowboy style", with my legs hanging over each side, keeping my center of gravity low (i.e. belly low to the deck) and snaking forward until I could slide my feet into the cockpit. Trying to re-enter from the side without a paddle float generally results in tipping the boat upside down on top of you...(at least that's what happened when *I* experimented with that maneuver.)

Julie Kanarr