My last practice kayak self-rescue attempt did not work, because of a broken paddle and stretched out deck cords. So, I obtained a new Greenland paddle recommended by Terry Rich. Then I replaced the rear deck rigging with stronger static cord under the guidance of Bill Webb. I studied several YouTube heel hook videos and believed that I identified my improper technique. I was wrongly doing a push-up with one arm on the paddle shaft held up by a paddle float, instead of grabbing the far side static cord and using my other arm to pull my chest flat across the back deck. And, I was pulling down with my foot in the cockpit, instead of straightening out my knee.
John Burt and Terry graciously agreed to meet me at Martin Marietta Lake for another class. But this morning, I decided to save the four hours round trip drive and try again myself at the Smith Creek Lake. I chose to protect my new paddle from getting broken by taking one of my old European blade paddles that I did not mind losing.
Upon doing my voluntary capsize and wet exit, I quickly learned some more lessons.
First, my Eddyline Sitka XT rear deck rigging cleats closest to the back of the cockpit are situated too close together for a European blade to fit between them. In this boat, a paddle float rescue can only be done with a Greenland paddle; or by placing the paddle further back on the rear deck where the boat is narrower and the float will be less effective. So, I will come back tomorrow with my Greenland paddle and try again, being very careful not to break a third paddle.
The second lesson is to test all new gear, and newly configured gear, before leaving the house.
Thirdly, while still in deep water and emptying the boat cockpit of water, I learned that this Sitka does not pour out water nearly as efficiently as my former Nigel Dennis Kayak. The space between the Sitka seat back and the adjacent bulkhead is much wider than in the NDK, so the Sitka retains more water. This extra water sloshing around in the cockpit makes the boat more unstable while trying to re-enter, and when trying to balance while pumping out the water. I may need to practice pumping while my body is still outside the boat. That maneuver will be difficult, but maybe necessary.
After swimming and walking to the shore, I did give my new pump a good, long workout and it performed well.
Besides the self-rescue lessons, I discovered several more improved techniques.
It seems that most of my fellow paddlers do not wear a spray skirt. I feel uncomfortable without mine, like driving a car without a seatbelt. My spray skirt has suspenders, and I pull it up over my legs from below. I found a better way to keep my balance while standing on the shore, and to keep the suspenders and my shirt tail from getting tangled in the waist band.
I also notice that almost none of my fellow paddlers use a paddle leash. I understand the danger of it getting wrapped around my neck or some other bad place. But I am more comfortable using one. For many years I was a scuba diver, so I am used to keeping hoses and cords out of the way, even when deep under water. So, today I discovered a better way to stow the excess middle section of cord away from trouble, while not interfering with popping my spray skirt.
My final new technique is a better way to firmly secure my two wheel kayak cart on the stern deck, without getting in the way of a paddle float rescue.
Finally, a few things that did not operate correctly, and I have not yet figured out, so they are still works in progress.
Most other paddlers carry drinking water in some kind of bottle with a cap or spout. I prefer a bladder with a hose and bite valve. The bladder can be used without taking two hands to pull it out of a pocket and remove the lid; and there is no chance of dropping it into the lake or river and losing it. But, I have not found an insulated bladder. This morning, I filled my bladder chock full of ice and pre-cooled water from the refrigerator. Discouragingly, after only one hour in the sun, all the ice and coldness were gone, and I was drinking unpalatable warm water. I may have to switch to an insulated Yeti bottle, which means having to use two hands to drink.
I also learned that on my nearly new Sitka, the small day hatch cover directly in front of the cockpit, leaks badly. But I cannot see any tear or damage. It looks like a perfect seal. Does anybody have a repair suggestion? Unless I can find a cure, I will continue to carry items in the day hatch inside a roll top water proof bag.
