On 24-Oct-2003, Mary Malmros wrote:

Now, it's not clear to me that the need to use a
strap represents a huge increase in risk, but I'm not arguing that
point -- I'll assume that it does, and that if you can perform a
paddle float self rescue without a strap, you're bunches and bunches
safer than someone who can only perform a paddle float self-rescue
with a strap. [...]

That bigger problem being...?

If a person needs a strap, they are not capable of the basic physical
skill of floating on the surface and sliding onto the kayak. This
is usually because of some combination of strength, size, disability
etc. It could be because they are dumb, but we covered that with
the assumption that they would get training.

Disabled persons can get suitably set up with an alternate rescue
strategy, which may include no solo paddling and staying with folks
that they've done appropriate rescue practice with. I've met lots
of disabled athletes that are quite capable and are not a liability.
(my partner used to work with disabled athletes as a guide and
trainer)

If you don't have the strength or are so out of condition that you
need to mount a kayak like someone mounts a horse, that indicates
that you really shouldn't be paddling. Get into shape etc.

At all? Anywhere? Under any conditions?

If you can't do this without a strap, solo isn't for you and, if
you are paddling with me, say, that puts me at risk if I have to
help you. The conditions under which you go over are not conditions
under which I want to expend time and energy helping you back up onto
a kayak. If you can't do an effective solo rescue, you are not a
good target for an assisted rescue.

So the conditions under which you'd be safe are those where the
water is warm and shallow, so you can stay in the water as long
as it takes and either stand up to reenter or walk to shore and
reenter. In this case, you won't be paddling with too many sea
kayakers I've met.

Mike