Re: [Paddlewise] Pool Sessions

"Sisler, Clyde" wrote:

> I'll bet the one legged and no legged skiers, the paralayzed marathoners and
> triathletes and those in other sports are glad no one forbade them from
> participating.  Didn't I hear of a guy with paralyzed legs being a ww rodeo
> kayaker?
>
> You don't have to be a maniac pushing Xtreme limits and putting yourself in
> danger to enjoy a sport.

Well Clyde, I sort of expected that someone would misinterpret my message
and apologize for not writing it clearer.

I see a couple of wheelchair athletes training in my neighbourhood on a regular
basis.  I wouldn't want to arm wrestle with them!  They are very strong and very
fit.  They have overcome their handicaps by training and dedicating themselves
to their sports.    If these athletes wanted to try paddling I wouldn't be too concerned
with their taking it up (other than my difficulty in keeping up with them!)
This is a far cry from some out-of-shape wannabe who joins a sport and expects to
succeed quickly.  I specifically stated that the problem is with folks that are not
fit or too fat to succeed and that the solution is to work on their overall fitness level
before trying to paddle too much.

I know someone who is rather overweight, in spite of losing 75 lb in the last year!
This person trains regularly and is reasonably fit and strong.  Canoeing (including WW),
hiking and skiing are all in their repertoire of activities.  This person's fitness level
makes up for their being overweight.  This person is a suitable candidate for
being a kayaker - not to be an xtreme 'yaker but competent.

On the other hand, I met a couple of young women last summer who wanted to learn
to be kayakers.  They were casual fitness club types, willing to exercise as long as it
didn't mess up their hair too much.  They refused to participate in the wet exit and
self- and assisted-rescue practice.  One wore a spray skirt but refused to attach it
to the cockpit coaming.  I asked them what their objective was in taking a course
where they didn't do any of the important stuff.  One said she only intended to go out
on nice days and didn't see the need.  A true wannabe.

So we have to use some discretion when deciding on an individual's ability to participate
in any sport.  Kayaking is an odd one.  We normally have few problems (I've never had to
roll and never done a wet exit other than in practice) but know that in the limit, skill and
experience are important.  I carry flares and never use them.  I carry a compass all the
time and rarely use it (I usually can see my destination) but I have enough training to use
it well.  It's tough to explain to someone that it isn't always sunny and pleasant and therefore
they need something beyond basic forward paddling skills.  The problem isn't so much the
range of skills required as the range of risks we are exposed to.  Tough call, but sometimes
you have to say "Come back when you're ready".  This will help them, not hurt them.

Mike

PS - Someone in this thread said that overweight persons have more insulation therefore
will tolerate cold water better.  Wrongo - overweight is a risk factor in hypothermia.  The
fat insulates, but most of the heat loss is through blood flow to the surface tissues and
in fatter persons the body's ability to constrict surface blood vessels is reduced.  That's
why they get ruddy faced in cold weather.



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