Re: [Paddlewise] Paddling Group Dynamics

From: Hank Hays <lhays_at_canby.com>
Date: Thu, 26 Feb 1998 07:57:44 -0800
At 10:44 PM 2/25/98 -0800, Jackie Fenton wrote:
>Hi Leander,
>
>I understand what you are saying.  This was what I learned when I paddled
>with river kayakers.  But I'm not sure it's a good lesson for sea kayakers
>(maybe even for river runners?)...  the idea that it is everyone's 
>responsibility to take care of others.  This lesson might have serious
>consequences.  

Right you are Jackie. 

My experience has been in whitewater, but I would think it would work about
the same on the ocean (or a big lake).  

I've not been in one of these situations, but the paddlers I know who have
sort of put it like this: 

What is the feasibility of rescue?  If it is not very likely to be
successful then the chances are pretty good that your are risking more
lives (yours and other companions) for the sake of the first one who gets
into trouble.  

It's a judgement call.  Can you help without unreasonable risk to yourself
and/or others who are not yet in danger (or at least as much danger as the
victim, or soon to be victim)?  

I have friends who have had the stated but unwritten rule for certain trips
to not attempt rescue if it means endangering the rescuer unreasonably.  I
have not been on such a trip, but I can see it as a worthwhile pact.  Just
picked up John Winters's tome and need to read it.  This was written first
just to keep him from biasing me with himself as a "Canadian Ballast
Rockhead" (ooh ooh.. sorry John! <grin>) type stuff.  

Hank Hays


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Received on Thu Feb 26 1998 - 08:00:14 PST

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