Thanks Julian. I'll do some ground work and then call you for a chat, as I'll need some advice on this.
My front deck has got very busy with lots of gear like spare paddles, pump and short tow. The only thing I use is my water bottle and compass. My next PDF will have a Camelbak.
I need to clean it up, and check out accessing/using my spare paddle.
The one device I always carry that I would question is a pump. In my two years of sea kayaking I've never used it. If your boat is flooded, and if you are not paddling alone then your buddies will empty your boat.
If you are paddling alone, I have no idea how long it would take to pump out a flooded boat, and not sure it would be feasible in rough water if you can't paddle. I think it would be easier to gain the strength and technique to raise the front of the boat while in the water to empty it, and also the confidence in paddling a flooded boat to shore.
Any stories in favor of the pump?
Geraldine.
