Re: [Paddlewise] When in Rome - I'd wear a PFD there, too.

Shoni Blue wrote:
> MAJOR SNIP<
> So I would supposed that you don't carry a VHF, or flares or any other
> rescue gear either.  But then I'm sure you paddle right next to a coast
> guard boat the entire time you're in the water.
> 
> My two cents of sarcasm.
> 
> -Shoni
>

and don't forget the helmet, cuz you might bump your head on the boat or 
the bottom..., and the list goes on.

I agree with most of this safety stuff, but each has to draw his/her own 
line and make a judgement call. Sometimes you call wrong, maybe even dead 
wrong, but it should be your call. I don't condenm a person because they 
don't do things my way. 

I do take my family and life very seriously(and that encludes kayaking), 
and I do wear a PFD all the time. Partly for warmth, partly because I 
feel good with it on(been mak'n memories for a long time with it), partly 
to help me float if I do go in, and maybe so my body can be found quicker 
and my wife can go nuts with the insurance policy(instead of waiting for 
a year), but a BIG reason is so the local rangers will look at me with 
their binoculars and see I have it on and maybe just leave me the heck 
alone.

As for what you carry or wear, that's your buisness. If you feel safer 
with a wet/dry suit on, then by all means you should wear one(with or 
without the darn thing zipped up).<G> 

I only asked the question because I see too many people heading out into 
lakes, seas, woods, and mountains with a "I got this cool gear" and with 
it and my cell phone to call 911, I can do anything attitude.
When I lived in Alaska, I was asked many times what kind of gun to carry. 
I used to answer, none, or atleast a light pistol, as you can climb a 
tree faster with nothing weighting you down.
Same thing applys to kayaking maybe. More gear don't alway mean more 
safe..??

You decide.

think.

James

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