Testing the new drysuit and some re-entry drills

[v8rob]

I really didn't fancy launching again after being unable to re-enter the kayak the other week post a capsize, regardless of the extreme circumstances!!. Psychologically it didn't sit well so I decided a few pool drills would put this right, plus I'd have the opportunity to put my new Typhoon PS200 drysuit through its paces.

I was only in the water around 15-20 minutes, though it gave me the opportunity to do a dozen re-entries, all successful!. My new drysuit is much heavier than my Kokatat drysuit, though this wasn't an issue when it came to doing a re-entry. It was 100% watertight with not so much as a drop of water entering the suit, very pleasing!.

I also took the opportunity to practice a couple of capsizes with the large centre hatch open. I've always been of the belief that the upturned kayak would act like a diving bell with the trapped air preventing water from entering the hatch entrance. That turned out to be the case with only a litre or two of water entering the kayak after two capsizes.

I put a little video clip together, enjoy



Now the weather just needs to improve so I can chase those winter cod once more

[izzetafox]

Well done Rob. Nice to have confidence in your suit again.

[iank]

Some good practise and exercise. Very interesting experiment with the hatch cover off

[v8rob]

Dec 6, 2011 8:05:25 GMT -1 izzetafox said:

Well done Rob. Nice to have confidence in your suit again.

Is it ever

It was a crappy feeling that particular day, knowing despite being well drilled for re-entries I was pretty helpless without taking extreme measures! (fortunately I wasn't forced down that route)

[steve1]

Well done rob great when it all comes together.

steve

[izzetafox]

Dec 6, 2011 10:10:29 GMT -1 v8rob said:

Dec 6, 2011 8:05:25 GMT -1 izzetafox said:

Well done Rob. Nice to have confidence in your suit again.

Is it ever

It was a crappy feeling that particular day, knowing despite being well drilled for re-entries I was pretty helpless without taking extreme measures! (fortunately I wasn't forced down that route)

Yes but you tried self rescue, assessed the situation and then took the correct course of action. So realistically it was a good example of what we should all do.

Terry

[THURSOMAN]

Good for you Rob!
Interesting to see kayak underwater like that and especially when you had the hatch open.
Nice one and thanks for sharing.
How'd you get the pool to yourself mate?