Paddling experts say the two made a long list of rookie mistakes <modsnip>
A close inspection of an online photograph of
the couple’s kayaks showed the brand to be Zet Kayak USA, a company that specializes in white-water kayaks. In general, kayakers who plan to cover long distances in choppy water, like the Hudson, will choose a boat that is long — around 13 to 15 feet — such as a touring kayak. A touring kayak also has twin bulkheads, or sealed-off hollow areas in the bow and stern, assuring maximum buoyancy. “White-water kayaks are short, and there’s little or no flotation,” Mr. Grahn said. “It’s the worst choice for the Hudson.” Some white-water kayaks have drain plugs on the top that are used to rid the kayak of any water by flipping the boat over back on dry land. Graswald’s lawyer, Richard Portale, said that Mr.
Viafore’s plug was in the couple’s apartment and that it had been pulled out of the kayak some time ago.
In theory,
a missing plug would not cause the kayak to flood since the hole is small. In very choppy conditions, however, waves will splash directly into the cockpit, causing the kayak to ride low in the water and become unstable.
“Vincent went out to the island in those waters, at that time of day, with no life vest and no plug and
a few beers,” he said. “Vincent capsized and drowned, and it’s tragic.”
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/21/n...ed-missteps-and-dangers-experts-say.html?_r=0
bbm - some new info