[Paddlewise] Solo or Not?

Dave Kruger wrote

> ...... I do not think it is a good idea to embark on a paddling  
> trip which is likely to overtask someone with poor bracing skills 
> or inadequate self-rescue ability.  Better to go alone.

> So, I am wondering:  how often do others paddle solo, and why?

G'Day

Paddle about 50% solo - love paddling with others and love paddling alone.
One reason for going solo is that some of the safety techniques for Klepper
foldables are not the same as for hardshells and you could count on one hand
the number of regular Klepper paddlers in New South Wales. For example I was
on an excellent course last Saturday, learning a variety of rescue
techniques. At the end of the day the instructor was asked what he would
prefer to use in a rough sea. His answer was reentry and roll. 

When alone I'm sometimes beyond my limit through lack of experience. This is
a real concern - apart from self rescue methods probably the most useful
thing I've learn't is to study the weather, tides and navigation. The
navigation is not for during the trip but for planning beforehand how to
avoid trouble in strange waters. 

As a novice paddling a foldable in a community of hardshell kayakers, its
going to take a while to convince myself and them that I'm a viable partner
on demanding trips. So push my envelope alone a lot of the time and learn as
much as possible about safety. Fortunately the local clubs and professionals
go out of their way to provide training. And fortunately theres Paddlewise!

All the best, PeterO
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