[Paddlewise] Safety and Novices

    Doug Lloyd wrote a posting to qualify some of the descriptions of his 
more dangerous experiences as being something that the novices among us 
should avoid.  I sensed an apologetic tone in his posting.  I suspect that he 
was speaking for the group, since some recent postings have been about 
conditions that could be very dangerous for a novice.

    I, as a 2nd year novice with considerable technical skills and no 
shortage of confidence, fit the profile for one who could read these postings 
and charge off halfcocked to duplicate some of the more dangerous scenarios.  
I believe I speak for many new kayakers who entered the sport as maturing 
adults, rather than bravado filled 20 somethings.

    Are we not the captains of our own ships?  Masters of our domain?

    As a relatively new kayaker I, for one, have no difficulty 
differentiating between the adventures, and experience, of our elite members 
and my own, significantly less demanding  (mundane) escapades.  The 
descriptions of risks taken increase my understanding of the possibilities.  
My, newly acquired, technical skills and equipment enable me to get myself 
into some serious trouble, if I were so inclined.  The articles that I read 
from PaddleWise keep me cautious and expand my awareness of the potential for 
disaster.  They have also up to this point kept me safe.

    The "Don't try this at home" caveats are clearly implied in every article 
that I have seen on Paddlewise.  That a novice dies while paddling does not 
mean it was paddling that killed him.  It just means he was paddling when he 
died. The ocean is a vast and wonderful thing, is there anyone, kayaker or 
non, who doesn't keep a healthy fear of it's potential for danger? 

    Doug, I've enjoyed you postings very much and hope they continue ad 
nauseum.  If you feel the need to warn some of us, go for it, it's your 
right.  I hope you'll continue to amuse and amaze us.  I plan to be an expert 
coastal kayaker someday, but until then, I'll study the teachings of 
PaddleWise as I refine my judgment and perfect my skills.

Paddle On!
Jed


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