Some of Doug Lloyd's adventures got me to thinking about the issue of solo paddling. Doug is a very ballsy guy who seeks out challenging conditions, sometimes testing (or exceeding) his limits. I do not aspire to Doug's heights. But, I do find myself sometimes out paddling solo in conditions which test my meagre skills. I think one of the reasons I am out there wishing I had somebody else along to share the adventure (misery?) is: I could not find anybody *suitable* to paddle with me that day! And, I wonder how common that is. No, I did not say I could not find *anybody* to paddle with. The problem for me is that I know lots of folks who paddle but not many who fit the trips I like. Some are too chatty. Some are too weak. Others are posers who like to talk a good game, but do not know their stuff. And, there is a group which "wants to go," but is never free of commitments. Yeah, I know some of this might sound elitist, but 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? Here's my profile: 30 % solo nobody suitable to go with -- Dave Kruger Astoria, OR *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Dave K wrote: > So, I am wondering: how often do others paddle solo, and why? About 50%-60% of the time - Because I'm an introvert. Woody *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
90-100% of the time. Same reason. Plus total lack of social skills ----- Original Message ----- From: Robert Woodard <woodardr_at_tidalwave.net> To: PaddleWise <PaddleWise_at_lists.intelenet.net> Sent: Monday, September 13, 1999 3:11 PM Subject: RE: [Paddlewise] Solo or Not? > Dave K wrote: > > > So, I am wondering: how often do others paddle solo, and why? > > About 50%-60% of the time - Because I'm an introvert. > > Woody > > > *************************************************************************** > PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List > Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net > Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net > Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ > *************************************************************************** > *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
> So, I am wondering: how often do others paddle solo, and why? 95% solo, well Happy Dog goes with me. Why? Not a lot of paddlers around here. Everybody's busy so it's hard to connect with what few folks there are.. Alice *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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/ ***************************************************************************
This archive was generated by hypermail 2.4.0 : Thu Aug 21 2025 - 16:33:02 PDT