Re: [Paddlewise] Philosophies on Risk

>>>>If a person has it, they'll heed the warnings [of more experienced
paddlers]
>and stay near their limits to learn and become more skilled boaters.  If
>a person lacks that responsibility, no amount of warnings on a listserv
>will teach them the requisite responsibility.
>
>>Sometimes in the wake of telling a tale of
>>a risky situation overcomed through will and skill, a euphoria emerges
>>in the listener who might overlook that will and skill and think it is
>>okay to try the same without the will and skill.
>
>And sometimes an irresponsible boater will go off and try something
>daring and stupid without will and skill, and without any ideas from
>experts who have overcome risky situations.
>
>>Their element of "risk" is greatly reduced by that familiarity.  It
>>doesn't hurt, as Scott has attempted, to keep reminding ourselves of
>>that as a reality check on enthusiastic imitation.
>
>I think you hit the nail right on the head here, Ralph.  We should judge
>our element of risk based on our own familiarity, and not someone
>else's.
>
>Shawn
......
 Shawn, am I correct in understanding you to say that it's futile for
experienced paddlers to try to illuminate elements of risk for the less
experienced?  I agree that people don't really "know" most things --
especially their limits, both positive and negative -- until they experience
them, but I emphatically don't agree that people can't understand in the
abstract where and how these limits are likely to be encountered.  And with
that understanding, thoughtful people can prepare as best they can.  I like
to think I'm a cautious and thoughtful (if slightly fearful at times) pusher
of the envelope, and I believe that my preparation is partially motivated
and supported by the discussions of risk on this list.

    Bob V

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