[Paddlewise] Kayak safety

>Yesterday Bob P told about a couple of
>kayakers playing while on an easy trip
>(practicing rolls and braces) and
>discussed the possibility of this causing
>over-confidence and poor risk
>assessment.

While I can understand his point and certainly agree with John Winter's
thoughts on risk assessment, I think it's worth mentioning that this
type of play does not necessarily lead to poor judgment.

Many folks paddling "easy" trips have not had much rescue practice.
After a while they move on to more challenging conditions without
practicing even the basics and become a chapter of "Deep Trouble"
waiting to happen. Encouraging them to "play" by working on rolls and
sculling braces will probably help them become more confidant in wet
exiting (and hanging onto their gear), reentering, practicing rescues,
developing reflexive braces, etc. This might even help their risk
assessment by helping them realize what it is like after capsizing.
  
Practicing rolls and braces (and encouraging others to do so) on easy
trips can be a FUN way to practice the basic safety skills many folks
(who don't read PW or Deep Trouble) might otherwise not bother with. 

My experience on those southern, blackwater river trips with the local
canoe club was that playing is great FUN, a great way to cool off and
good practice at the same time. (No, you don't have to worry about the
alligators!)

Learning to roll also can lead to staying upright with a good brace (at
least that's what they tell me :-). Or learning that combat rolling is
another story, not to mention rolling on the offside, in a different
boat, in rougher water, in wind, when you're tired, etc. 

Yes, a roll could lead to over-confidence, but it also can lead to lots
of rescue practice and learning to play it safe. So the next time you
see that rolling fool you think is just showing off, join in! 

Frank
(Yes, I was rolling at the end of the paddle today, I got tired, swam,
looked like a fool - and had to practice my reenter and roll. Probably
wouldn't have practiced a rescue otherwise)

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