On 26-Oct-2003, "Seakayaker" wrote:

Mike, I have to disagree with you here. I don't usually use a stirrup but I
always carry one. [...]

I don't have a problem with using the stirrup as a one-off rescue
method. I can quickly tie my contact tow line into a sling
for such a purpose. However, those who _always_ need a stirrup
are over their heads.

After three attempts, I realized this paddler
would not be able to do a regular "T" assisted rescue.

But he could if he learns to get over his problem with leaning. One
of the first things I teach people is to lean on another kayak. This
before other assisted rescue methods. That allows them to realize
that they are more stable with two kayaks.

There are also some people who have negative buoyancy in their legs and they
just can't keep them on the surface.

That would be a person who is lean and that suggests relatively fit
for their weight. That's where a dolphin kick comes in. Mine only
stay at the surface with a wetsuit on. Without one, I can get near the
surface and a kick does everything else.

I don't use either. I roll. Kayaking isn't about relying on tools,
it's about skill.

Have you never had a boat sucked off of you in rough surf or large breaking
waves--rolling won't necessarily help, if you have been removed from your
boat by Mother Nature or King Neptune.

Re-entry and roll. If I'm in the surf zone, that would depend on water
depth - at some point it may be easier to walk to shore. Not much surf
on the Great Lakes, though.

Also, a very common kayaking injury
is a shoulder dislocation. Suppose you had somebody in the water with a
dislocated shoulder. How would you suggest they pull themselves up onto
their back decks with one hand. Have you practiced this? This would be a
perfect scenario for a stirrup.

Again, a one-off event. I've also practiced several one-arm rolls, but
how that would go with the additional pain of a real separation is something
I hope never to have to find out.

I don't buy this assumption at all. Many women don't have the upper body
strength to pull themselves over the deck--but they do have the lower body
strength to step up onto the back deck.

Well, I don't buy this. If they are that weak, how do they paddle at all?
I know that there are princesses out there that can't do a thing (and I've
seen kayaking guides tow them through an entire trip!), but most of the women
I paddle with would be insulted to have it suggested that they use a stirrup
because they're weak. If someone is serious about kayaking, they should
at least be able to do _one_ pushup!

Mike