Re: [Paddlewise] Solo or Not?

Dave Kruger wrote:

> Ah, the deadly dynamics of ego!  Know this well.  Nobody wanted to be the
> wimp!  I think this connects with Doug's first point.  When I am alone, I know
> it is *completely* my responsibility to judge conditions, so there is no
> dodging the duty!  When I am with paddlers of my ability (or stronger), I do
> the same damn thing Doug describes -- I "go with the flow" and sometimes get
> swept up in the hubris of the moment.  Been in trouble several times because
> of this.  Almost always wish I had used my own judgement, instead of
> "groupthink."
>
> So, is solo paddling *safer* ... sometimes?

    This is a good thought. As a novice paddler I rely on others to call their own
judgment of their own skill level and mine at times. If someone I'm with is an
experienced paddler and they question my ability to do something I'm usually
willing to accept that judgment because I have not yet been in the position to
speak  from personal experience. That dose NOT mean I won't try to do whatever it
is.
    Paddling with the experienced paddlers of our group gives me a latitude to
push the envelope with greater both safety and assurance that I have support if I
really blow it. I have to remind myself that I have the obligation to let them
know that I'm pushing it and to ask if it is okay with them to pick up the pieces
if needed. That is not always easy for me.
    I don't want to be seen as a drag on the trip. I don't want to look like I
can't manage so sometimes I just let it go. I want them to want me to go with
them. I'm not obliged to look macho, just competent, thank god. But I have to
admit to, " When I am with paddlers of my ability (or stronger), I do the same
damn thing Doug describes -- I 'go with the flow' and sometimes get swept up in
the hubris of the moment."
    I place on the group my safety, assuming they will pull if off even if I
can't. I have no idea how many times over these months I've thought I'd never try
this if I were alone. I've been willing to express my discomfort and every single
time I've done that the group has accepted my evaluation and backed off. That
brings with it my obligation to be clear about what I don't want to do or if I'm
just saying that I think a thing is hard to do. If they think I can do it I'll
usually give it a try because so far they have been right. As long s they are
willing to be supportive if I really can't I'll go along, usually.

Joan Spinner


***************************************************************************
PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List
Submissions:     paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net
Subscriptions:   paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net
Website:         http://www.paddlewise.net/
***************************************************************************