: A lot of Australian and Tasmanian paddlers who frequent the "Roaring
: 40's" advocate minimizing the cockpit volume as much as possible, and
: having a kayak that is paddle-able in a partially flooded state.

: Getting to shore is not a problem on a smaller body of water. It's not a good
: option in open water. So...your choice of kayak outfitting/rescue
: techniques/skills to practice should largely be dependent on the water you
: paddle.

: Shawn

Hi Shawn,

There were two places I did a lot of boating and extended the season almost until the water froze. One was on a 2500 acre reservoir with no houses on it and no people or boats many times in late season when the water was cold. One day I had on a wet suit and was flying across the lake on my catamaran sailboat in high winds and waves. The trampoline was slick and wet and the sails were cleated down. The twin rudders were stiff and held in place by their selves. In other words the cat was sailing itself. All of a sudden I hit a big wave and nearly slipped off the cat. Then I realized I came very close to dying right there. Had I fallen off in the middle of this lake the cat would have sailed on by its self and I believe hypothermia would have nailed me since I would have to swim nearly half a mile to shore. Also when I found that my canoe could put me in the same situation I decided I really had to try and make my kayak self rescuing. I feel very secure now, knowing that I can get in my kayak and then paddle to shore in my flooded kayak when time is so important.

John