: I was wondering how often the pump gets used in the first place. Do
: people not have skirts or do they have holes in there kaykas?
: If it is to empty after a wet exit wouldn't having another kayaker
: there and emptying the boat be preferrable to having to pump out
: a kayak?
: In rough water pumping and paddling at the same time might be a
: problem as well. Why not just let the water stay until you get a
: chance to exit and have your boat dumped?

Hi Foster,
To add to what Bill said, water in the kayak will make it much less responsive to paddler input. In rock-hopping and similar, it makes any contact with ground worse.
There's also the potential problem of water temperature, cold water in the hull can suck heat from the body.

In rough water, pumping out can be less problematic if you use a paddle and float as an outrigger.

Mike Savage
South West Cork