wrote in news4amovkh986agtb3dksled3aa7idfdhnn4@
4ax.com:

On 12 Oct 2003 21:11:58 -0400, Mary Malmros wrote:


That sounds similar to, but more complicated than, a modification of
the paddle float self-rescue that uses a strap with a loop on it.
Not sure if the loop is attached to the paddle or the boat itself
somehow...I never used it myself.


Exactly what I thought.
http://www.seakayakermag.com/feb97/foster1.htm
http://www.rmskc.org/info/selfrescue.html

All of those links describe a paddlefloat rescue (though the original poster
never mentioned using a paddlefloat). It sounded to me that he was more
interested in using a stirrup of some kind to assist in a reentry.

There are a couple of methods that will work using just a piece of rope to
construct a stirrup. They can be helpful for someone without a lot of arm
strength.

The simplest method is to get a piece of rope and tie the ends together to
form a loop. Wrap the rope around the cockpit combing so that part of the
loop hangs over the side such that it's a couple of feet under water.
Adjust the length of the rope accordingly. The stirrup can be used to raise
your body up high enough so that you can get your weight onto the deck.

The alternative and probably more frequently used method involves a similar
loop from 12-15' of rope. After a capsize, a wet exit, emptying most of the
water from the cockpit, and righting the kayak, attach the paddle float to
the paddle blade. Then stick the paddle shaft through the loop of rope and
lay the paddle shaft just behind the cockpit. Toss the rope over to the
other side of the kayak and bring the remaining rope under the kayak. Wrap
the rope around the paddleshaft a couple of times and snug it down so there
is a couple of feet of loop remaining. Use the loop as a stirrup to get
your weight center over the boat.

Once of the tricks to using a rope stirrup is to just stick your toes onto
the rope. Then try to stand straight up until your upper body can flop onto
the deck.

Like all self rescues this is something that should be practiced a lot.
Under the kinds of conditions that would cause a capsize in the first place
a loop of rope is a potential entanglement hazard.