Re: [Paddlewise] Ballast, make it usefull.

From: Michael Neverdosky <MichaelN_at_cycat.com>

> jackie_at_intelenet.net wrote:
> 
<snip>

> > Agreed.  Many do, but there seems to be an awful lot of rescues of
> > sea kayakers without appropriate skills from that recent coastguard report
> > (such as those who could not even re-enter their boats).
> 
> Perhaps, but for comparison, how many times does the coast guard have to
> rescue commercial fishermen? I hear of very large numbers of fishermen 
> dieing at sea but rarely hear any outrage or push for real prevention.

I've forwarded at least one study from the Center for Disease Control on the
subject using the results from one area to warn fishermen in all areas.  
There are more regulations governing commercial fishermen than there are
for sea kayaking.  Just because :you: rarely hear outrage or push for real 
prevention, doesn't mean it doesn't exit.  The case study I forwarded is 
only one example.  

> I do not like to hear of deaths of kayakers, especially those that could
> have been easily prevented by a little training and practice, but I often 
> think the danger is shown out of proportion. Has anybody looked at the 
> death and injury rate for High School football?

Other than I don't see the relation between HS football deaths and sk deaths,
HS football also includes a lot of of training and practice with the 
awareness of what risks are possible and first aid is always nearby.  The 
problem in sea kayaking often results from uneducated risks.  And no one is 
involved in SAR of HS football players.  When a kayaker goes missing, there 
tends to be a lot of noise (as well as expense) about it and the possibility 
of other individuals put at risk performing the rescue of a sea kayaker.  
Much of what happens is preventable with training, especially training in 
the area of awareness and prevention in the first place.

<snip>

> I have a friend who has a rotweiller who likes to swim with (chase) the
> sea lions. It can be a bit exciting when he gets out and back into the
> boat. :-)

Depending on where this is taking place, your friend could be subject to
a very hefty fine and might want to check into that if he/she hasn't already 
done so.  Just an fyi.

cheers,

Jackie
http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/
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