RE: [Paddlewise] How and when to speak up

> 1.  Should one speak up always when confronted with such situations of
> pretty off-the-mark paddling approaches?

Tough call. Which makes you feel better at the end of the day - saying
nothing, or being thought of as an old fart?

> 2.  What is the best way of vocalizing the dichotomy between their
> oblivious paddling approach and a more prudent approach that experienced
> paddlers tend to adhere to?  I have sometimes thought about things to
> say  in imaginary scenarios but when confronted with a real situation,
> the words tend to come out wierd, i.e. doctrinaire sounding,
> pontificating, scolding, etc.  Give it a try and you will see what I
> mean.

Remember me from last winter? I think if it hadn't been for some unnamed old
fart (and a few other old farts from this list), I might not be sitting here
waiting for some cold weather to try out my brand new dry suit. I was pretty
hard headed last winter (this hasn't changed) and got pounded on pretty
hard, but it somehow eventually started to sink in.

I met up a few weeks ago with a brand new kayaker for an outing. Myself and
my regular paddling partner were in wet suits, the new person in bicycle
shorts. Since I had a new boat I took the opportunity to wet exit and
practice paddlefloat reentry. The water was pretty cold, but not so cold
that my wetsuit didn't warm up once flooded. My partner and I talked with
the new person about cold weather gear kind of casually, but I think you're
right Ralph, it does come out sounding like a scolding. At one point I just
had to let it go because I thought if I kept it up the person might not want
to paddle with me again, and I'd rather have the opportunity to lay it on
thinly than not at all.

Woody


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