The discussion of kayaking safety, especially John Winter's description of that fabulous trip, got me to thinking about how I handle the issue. I'm limited to weekend paddling and, between hostile weather and family obligations, I miss a fair number of weekends. Even so, I had a good year in 1997. My log shows 33 trips, 21 solo and 12 either with a group or a partner. When I paddle, I have an agreement with myself not to get into a mess from which I can't extricate myself. I don't roll, but I have practiced my wet exit and reentry routine to the point that I'm comfortable with it. I normally don't "push the envelope" when I'm alone and I'm willing to take the long way around when conditions require caution. I have paddled solo in challenging conditions, but I also note that my definition of "challenging" has changed as I've gained experience. If things get too rough, I'm always prepared to sit it out. I paddle lakes, rivers, and coastal waters rather than open ocean. In addition to the regular paddling gear that everyone should carry, I keep a 3/4 length Z-Rest pad, an 8x10 tarp, and rope in the kayak. I've always got at least 2.5 liters (Platypus bag) of water in addition to the water in my CamelBak, and I carry enough trail food and granola bars to last more than one day. In cool to cold weather, unless I'm on completely civilized waters, I also carry a backpacking stove, fuel bottle, cooking and eating gear, a couple of quick meals, and hot cider or chocolate mix. That sounds like a lot of extra weight, but it isn't. For a longer trip, hot weather, or paddling with a partner, I'm prepared to carry up to 10 liters of water in 4 Platypus bags. Last year, the only time I didn't get home on time was a group trip which didn't get started on the water until the approximate time I had expected the trip to end. I called my wife as soon as I got enough signal strength for my cellular phone to work, but then I still had a long drive to get home. If I don't get home on time, my wife knows where I was going and which boat I took. Last weekend, when I got to my intended launch site and found it overflowing with bass boats, etc., I called her and outlined a change of plans. When I got home that afternoon, I found her pencilled notes on my desk. I consider that effective communication. Knowing that I can sit out adverse conditions in safety, possibly even with a bit of comfort, gives me increased ability to make good decisions when I'm paddling. Safety on the water, for me, is a combination of good sense and adequate preparations. Bob -------------------------------------------------- Robert C. Perkins, Ph.D. Associate Dean for Research and Planning Methodist College, Fayetteville, NC 28311 910-630-7037 rperkins_at_methodist.edu *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
This archive was generated by hypermail 2.4.0 : Thu Aug 21 2025 - 16:32:46 PDT