Re: [Paddlewise] Crossings in Fog

John Winters wrote:

[big snip] 
> I believe the the focus on rescues and not on accident prevention is a
> problem in sea kayaking. In my surveys I have discovered that few people
> know even the most basic methods of local weather prediction, chart reading
> or foul weather techniques and yet many of them can roll and have mounds of
> rescue gear on their boats. [snip]
> 
> We are continually admonished to learn to roll and use certain rescue
> equipment and yet rarely does one say, "Learn how to stay out of trouble."
> 
> I can roll and even carry some of the rescue equipment but, as I have said
> before, all the first aid skills in the world are not half so useful as
> learning not to put your finger in the band saw."
> 
> Can people be taught accident prevention? Absolutely. The problem may be
> that accident prevention  isn't glamorous. Rolling and the gear is all very
> sexy. Staying ashore when one should isn't sexy at all. (Unless you have
> the right companion). Besides, the gear you need is in your head and no one
> can see how safe a paddler you are.

Well put, John.  I think you nailed it:  accident prevention is not
glamorous.  The main satisfaction in doing the headwork and reading
necessary to elude weather systems and overly-gnarly currents comes on
the intellectual side.  And, there's darn little glory in it.  The
"story value" in bragging that "... we stayed ashore and avoided the
thrashing those brash idiots got ..." is pretty minimal.  Only those who
enjoy mapping out strategy and tactics will get a kick from out-foxing
Ma Nature.

There is probably a little generational stuff in here, also.  When I was
younger (and slightly more buff) I got off on the adrenaline rush of a
"close call."  Not such a thrill any more.

-- 
Dave Kruger
Astoria, OR
old bull; not a young bull
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