RE: [Paddlewise] Group Paddling

> From: Larry Bliven [mailto:foxhill_at_shore.intercom.net]
> Sent: Friday, April 02, 1999 2:11 AM
> 
> Group Paddling 101. Case 1.
> 
> A recent trip report that can be picked apart with no offense 
> taken...live
> and learn.

snip
> 
> the canoe has no ropes attached. we aren't carrying any 
> lines. the canoe is
> covered with 303 and thus very  slippery. my attempt to hold 
> on to it and
> drain water fails. during the next 4 or 5 minutes, we bring 
> the boat to the
> fellow - who is able to get it set to re-enter. the two 
> kayaks come along
> port side and brace as he gets into the boat...
> 
> planning to head back, he tells us to continue the 10 mile 
> loop. we protest.
> he insists. i give him a power bar, he has water. i ask and 
> he replies that
> he has his car keys and warm clothes. since i did a swim like 
> this a few
> years ago, i think that he will be warm while paddling and 
> become very cold
> when he reaches shore, however the warm shower will take care of him.
> 
> so, the group splits..... we continue, he heads back.
> ==================

  A situation like this is pretty clear-cut in my mind.  Whether the group
is formal or informal, whether I'm the leader or not, I would never abandon
a paddling/hiking partner who decided that it was time to turn around and
head for "home".  (Maybe that's a little strongly stated and I'm sure that
we can all think up scenarios which would challenge it, but I'm standing by
it in this case)  It's simply a matter of taking responsibility when the
situation starts getting bad - somebody has to do it!  Making an assumption
that the individual will be all right suffers from the same problem that all
other assumptions suffer from....you may be right, but then again, you may
be wrong.  I opt to err on the side of caution.
  If there has been a mishap and an individual actually feels bad or worried
enough that they feel they need to head for home I consider them to be
paddling with a "handicap" - and that means that while they may not actually
need assistance, it certainly would be a good idea to make sure that it's
available.
  The decision to paddle solo is one that many of us make quite rationally
and with an acknowledgement of the attendant risks and rewards.  The
decision to paddle solo because you don't feel capable of making the rest of
the trip is.....well, in my mind, slightly less than rational.

Dave Seng
the safety nut in
Juneau, Alaska
 
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