back40 wrote:

On Wed, 18 Feb 2004 22:09:08 GMT, Matt Langenfeld
wrote:

If you want sponsoons as a permanent fix, then you should consider
switching to a different style canoe/kayak or consider limiting the
rough water you paddle on.


I wasn't thinking of them as a permanent fix for rough water, but as a
self-rescue aid in the event of a capsiz, from whatever cause, to be
deployed when needed, NOT permanently attached.

I agree with your plan to try various techniques and rescue equipment to
see what works best for you. I've tried both the Sea Wing sponsons and my
paddlefloat during a sea kayak symposium which included a rescue class. I
found the sponsons to have some advantages, particularly in providing extra
stability immediately after reentry - while pumping out, reattaching the
skirt, etc. But the paddlefloat methods worked reasonably well too and I
have not purchased or made an auxiliary sponson system.