I've posted this elsewhere. But I think Hobie management might be interested in the industry standard aspect. Stepping up to the plate with maybe 2-3 other mfgs would provide the public more safety in the sport, plus illustrate Hobie's leadership.
The frau finally graduated this week with a safe re-entry due to Hobie's Sidekick, the two ama system meant for increasing sailing stability on the Adventure.
Even if you don't use the ama normally, having one immediately available seems feasible as they collapse nicely for storage. (The cross member they fit into must be pre-installed-see below)Seems like an easier solution in heavy seas than the sling/paddle float technique. Grab your packet, break any rubber band you use to keep it folded compactly on it's shaft, and inflate in 3-4 breaths.
The photos demonstrate for those that don't quite have enough body strength that Sidekick may just do the trick for SELF rescue.
Then I describe a procedure that is very simple for ASSISTED rescue.
Sidekick is a definite aid for reentry. I fooled around today. I just grabbed the port gunnel with both hands and did kind of a push up kicking twice and leaning fwd. The port ama semi buried, but the yak was perfectly stable. Here I was raised right over and across her. The twist to sit down was simple. The two arm pushing down on the same side is a tad easier than the traditional reach across with one hand and IMHO requires less upper body strength.
Here is another shot where my right hand is on the port gunnel, but the left has reached across to the stbd side for a normal grab/kick combo. Kind of a pushup with your arms split. Note ama position is OK and that this time I am even further over the yak for an easy twist re-enter.
Don't have Sidekick ? Try it on a buddies. If you have any doubt about getting back in when alone maybe you should invest in one.
One other ASSIST technique improvement with the frau. With Sidekick providing stability I am no longer required on the side opposite her to weight down the yak why she struggles to step in the sling. I can go to her side to assist. I just hung on the yak and lowered my other hand so she could step on it versus a sling arrangement. In she went!! She preferred that to the "kupuna step" another slightly different technique I use with older gals getting into an OC-6. Just grab the Adventure gunnel and lower yourself completely underwater. She can then step on your shoulder. Should also work for kids and heavier buddies that need more than the hand technique.
Warning. Playing around further I was able to huli the whole Sidekick rig with both ama installed.. But first I had to swing my legs over the port side and sit on the gunnel. That kind of buried the ama, even more than re-entry. Then I grabbed the opposite gunnel and pulled the whole shebang over as I kept shifting my butt even further to port.. I think she went around the 60-65 degree mark, maybe more. Try it yourself. That might be the angle of the face of a wave where your going over if your broadside to a wave larger than the span of Sidekick when under sail. Maybe we can come up with just where that is through sharing experiences.
Sidekick requires the installation of a cross member that the ama shaft insert into and lock with a button. If I were Hobie I would add a couple of different length cross members so other brands could benefit from Sidekicks safety aspect.
In the future for rescue purposes it would be nice if you only needed a shorter receptacle arm on one side. Not sure what the leverage forces are, Hobie and others need to look at a one sided hookup.
Why? I am recommending an industry "open standard" for a single Sidekick like ama receptacle be established that could be installed on ALL yaks, maybe even molded in like OC-1 ama systems. That would let competing companies design different floats . The consumer then knows he doesn't have to fool around with different size receptacle fittings. The yak manufacturer has provided them. The safety aspect would also help the industry to grow as well as avoid any tragedies while on the water.