Sea Wings Recoveries & Uses
The most frequently used solo recovery after wet exiting is the paddle float recovery. The paddle float converts your paddle to an outrigger which provides you support while re-entering your kayak. Even though the paddle float recovery is a reliable one, there are some weaknesses to the technique. If you were to lean in the wrong direction you can capsize. In rough conditions it is easy to capsize when doing a paddle float recovery because support is only in one direction.
Another alternative for a solo recovery is using a pair of Sea Wings. Sea Wings (also called Sponsons) provide support in both directions when attached properly to the sides of your kayak. By providing more beam to your kayak the Sea Wings add tremendous stability in two directions instead of just one when comparing it to a paddle float/outrigger.
Even though Sea Wings provide stability in both directions it is still possible to capsize the kayak when they are inflated. Like any recovery aid you should practice using the Sea Wings so you can learn their parameters. Let's look at the common uses of Sea Wings.
Sea Wings are attached to the kayak with quick snap buckles and straps that go underneath your hull. The buckles and Sea Wing straps need to be preset for maximum efficiency. The buckle system needs to remain attached to your kayak if you want to use Sea Wings.
You can leave the Sea Wings attached before they need to be inflated but it will add some drag when paddling. Sea Wings do come with a cover sleeve to reduce drag when not in use. If you don't want the potential drag you can keep the Sea Wings stored off of the kayak and attach them when needed.
These are inflation devices so there is inflation time which adds to your immersion time. As always we recommend you dress for immersion.
When properly attached and inflated the Sea Wings make the kayak feel very stable. In calm conditions there is enough stability for most paddlers to stand and not capsize. I have to admit I don't have the best balance and I have capsized a few times when trying to stand when using Sea Wings. The standing demo is just a way to show the increased stability.
After a capsize you need to take your Sea Wings out from where you store them and attach them to the buckles already pre-attached to your kayak. There are four buckles and straps that need to be attached and tightened before you inflate the bags. I recommend you perfect your use of the Sea Wings so you can attach them quickly.
As I mentioned before, there are two large bags to inflate so immersion time is a bit longer. As with any inflation device check the integrity of the bags and valves regularly. Unlike many of the paddle floats, Sea Wings do not have a double chamber. If one side fails then you only have stability in one direction.
After inflating one side you have to get to the valve to inflate the other side. If you cannot reach over the kayak you can swim around to the other side or go under the kayak.
Once inflated you can try your regular re-entry methods to see which ones work best for you. Most paddlers can get into their kayak with the support provided by the Sea Wings and not capsize their kayak. Again, the beauty of the Sea Wings is the support provided in both directions.
After sitting upright in the kayak you can pump out the water and feel stable while doing it. Due to the stability of the Sea Wings you can also just paddle away with water in the cockpit without taking the time to pump. Of course your kayak will perform better if the water is pumped out.
I didn't find the drag too bad for when paddling with the bags inflated. In rough conditions the extra stability may be worth the trade off in speed.
There are other options for using Sea Wings. Those that need a stirrup to climb back in may be able to use the Sea Wings without a paddle and paddle float for stirrup attachment. If you use the stirrup around the cockpit coaming you may get enough support from the Sea Wings.
If not you may need to use the paddle float and paddle in the traditional way for a solo stirrup recovery and have the Sea Wings as additional support and for stability when back in your kayak. You will know what works for you when you practice. Be sure to practice in controlled rough conditions to see if the support you get will be sufficient.
As an instructor and guide I feel one of the greatest uses of Sea Wings is the ability to stabilize a kayak in the event you need to tow a paddler that has difficulty in staying upright. If your paddling partner was very sea sick and had difficulty in keeping his or her balance and there were only the two of you it would be a lot easier to tow your partner if they had a pair of Sea Wings attached and inflated. In this picture the paddler is being towed and the drag on the person towing was minimal.
The support provided by Sea Wings can also be used for the
following:
1- stability in rough conditions
2- relaxed lunch break with feet out of the kayak and reclined (could possibly
catch a nap)
3- extra support when getting in and out of your kayak by docks or obstacles
4- possibly fishing, but be very careful not to hook the bags or puncture
with a fish spine
Think of the times you wish you had more stability or needed lateral stability in both directions. Sea Wings may be the answer to your quest.
I must repeat, even when Sea Wings are adjusted correctly, it is still possible to capsize your kayak. It takes more energy to do it but it can happen if you lean too far. After using Sea Wings on a number of occasions I think they are worth having along on tours for the extra options they can provide. Some adjustments need to be made to fit different kayaks but it is a small inconvenience for the benefits provided.
If you like exploring different options I recommend seriously looking at Sea Wings as part of your recovery/rescue equipment.
As our USK motto states "do what works best for you."
Pictures seen above were taken from the USK Video "Capsize Recoveries & Rescue Procedures"
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