: Hi John, welcome back. I can see how extra flotation on the sides could be a
: real life saver. As I recall, someone also suggested using pool noodles;
: which is what I'm thinking about using in my double.

I don't see how more internal flotation would make the kayak more stable, aside from it reducing the amount of water moving around inside the cockpit. The overall hull design and beam will have more to do with stability, right? Added flotation would make the kayak ride higher and dryer after a capsize, but that wouldn't make it any easier to re-enter, it might actually make it harder to get up and over into it if you're alone. Right?

We need to figure out some system to stabilize a kayak when the paddler has been dumped by increasingly unfavorable seas and wind, a much different scenario than the "oops/splash" that happens from inattention. It's a scary proposition to get dumped because the conditions are beyond your skill level, then get back into the kayak, into a situation that's exponentially more unfavorable...you're wet, tired, stressed, the kayak is less stable, and you need to figure out to get out of a problem you probably had not anticipated.

I'm finishing my second season of paddling, and I've just flat out avoided paddling in conditions that were changeable or unpredictable, although that doesn't mean I've not been in danger and just didn't know it.