Thanks for your reply and video for a assist re-entry,I've had so much trouble in the past and this looks so easy it makes me want to cry.My next question is will a paddle float fit a GP Nick R.

Thanks for bringing this technique to everyone's attention - it's good to have in one's arsenal. And, yes, a paddle float will fit over a GP, though it may not be as secure.

But, a paddle float rescue is not easy. One has to get out of the boat - underwater - then get one's gear all rigged up, then get back into the boat you just got out of, then pump out all the water that was just let in, then get one's gear stowed. All in the same waves (perhaps icy cold) that just caused a capsize.

If I'm out of the boat anyway, then the heel hook thing looks like a breeze - yes. But doing all of that is one of my last choices as a self rescue method. Instead, I'd prefer to spend about 2 seconds of lazy effort and just roll back up and keep going. That's easy.

I know a lot of sea kayakers will shake their heads and scoff. "Rolling is hard/scary/not for me, and anyway I can't learn that at my age/fitness."
Starting out as a whitewater paddler I learned to roll right from the start, so I disagree, of course. Take 12 seconds and look how easy it actually is:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=GE5yuvtMZ0g

So I say (for whatever that's worth) that one should definitely become proficient in a number of self-rescue techniques, but that one should rely far more on a good brace and and good roll. Those last two things are "easy" . . . those other techniques are decidedly not.

Dave Gentry

BTW, rolling is best learned in a warm pool, with a dive mask or goggles and nose plugs. Many towns have classes in the winter.

I do recognize that many folks here can roll - and that gladdens my heart. But by far the majority of "serious" sea kayakers I have met do not have a roll. Real physical limitations aside, most anyone can easily learn and I try to encourage that whenever I can. Besides . . . it's fun!