Re: [Paddlewise] Visibility

rdiaz_at_ix.netcom.com wrote:
> 
> I still maintain that you can be readily seen from a power or sail boat
> if you are showing high visibility colors in your paddle, hat, PFD and
> deck color.  [snip]
> 
> Of course, no matter how well decked out you are, the first rule of
> traffic is to absolutely assume that you are not in the least visible
> and that the person at the wheel of that sailboat or motorboat is
> distracted [snip]

Agreed.  In addition, the wheelhouse configuration of some power boats
(especially older craft) makes it impossible for the skipper to see
**anything at water level**  dead ahead for some distance (up to 100
yards?) because the bow obscures that area.  I've had to take "evasive
action" to get out of that blind spot a couple times, and I paddle in
waters which are sparsely populated with power craft.

I can't even imagine paddling where Ralph does.  But then, I probably could
not *live* where Ralph does.  He's more highly evolved when it comes to
survival skills in the city, I suspect!  <G>  

Hmmm ... that gives me an idea.  Tune in to the next post.

-- 
Dave Kruger
Astoria, OR
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