Re: [Paddlewise] experience kayaker clinging

James Lofton wrote:
> 
> Dave Kruger wrote:
> >
> >LARGE SNIP<
> > I think it is a matter of finding out, regularly, where the edge of our
> > abilities lies.  If we do not explore that, under reasonably controlled
> > conditions, then when Ma Nature puts us in a little trap, we won't really know
> > what is "safe" and what is not.
> 
> While I agree with you as such, I'm not sure I do completely.(early here)
> While testing the edge is where we do learn to go forward, or else we
> would grow stagnant(but not always bad if we are happy there). Where I
> "think" I differ with what you say is that I seem to add to my edge, if
> you will, by not trying to push my envelope, but it just happening. Like
> the weather taking a dive, etc. In other words, I know what the safe
> conditions is that I can make a certain cross'n of a certain lake. I also
> know that I have made it in quite a bit rougher conditions, however I
> don't always up the anti each time, just because I know I "made it" last
> time. I guess I just like that LARGE margin, especially in the winter.
> Maybe I'm differant? 

I do not think you and I differ much.  I did not say test the envelope every
time, just regularly -- kind of like the philosophy of practicing *regularly*
your bracing skills and wet exit/self rescue, to make sure you can still do
them.  It's sort of like the difference between "knowing" you can dunk the
basketball (and thinking you can do it any time you want to)  ...versus... 
practicing dunking the basketball regularly, so when the time comes, it is
automatic.  That's what I mean.  Not suggesting anybody push their skills to
the edge constantly, although there are some who do (and that's their thing,
not something I would endorse).

> I also think we can learn by beating around someone else's bad moments.
> Some things have to be exsperanced to learn, some thankfully don't. :-)

Good point -- agree wholeheartedly, especially if we do it in constructive
vein, all the while remembering the person who screwed up could have been us
(me)!

Thanks for the contribution, James -- ever thoughtful.

-- 
Dave Kruger
Astoria, OR


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