Re: [Paddlewise] The Gotta Get Home Syndrome; Was: how dangerous [] kayaking?

Doug Lloyd wrote:
> 
> [snip] Last
> time I spoke with him, he had another tale to tell. He was out with a newer
> paddling friend who had similar experience levels. They were returning from
> an overnight paddle, across a fairly open piece of water [on] the US and
> Canadian border. Bob wasn't too happy about leaving shore. He indicated to
> his new friend that wind was predicted for the afternoon, and given the
> off-season values for that time of year, if the weather picked up earlier
> (as it often does in our difficult-to-predict area of the Pacific
> Northwest) then it could impede an efficient crossing. Why not wait.
> 
> The other fellow had commitments back in town. Bob was upset, because he
> had specifically indicated that an open-schedule should be allowed for. As
> the two got further out, passing the half-way point finally, the wind
> picked up dramatically. The area around James Island is well known for tide
> movement. Wind/tide opposition creates steep seas in very, very short
> order. Well, within minutes, Bob's new buddy went over. His "pool-roll"
> failed, and out he came. Bob was able to render quick assistance, as he had
> "purposely kept close" in his words. Getting him back in proved a bit
> difficult, given the lack of proper immersion apparel. Eventually, Bob got
> him in and back to shore, where there was no option but to wait it out
> another day. A warm fire helped them to regain their spirits, but not
> before Bob (a big x-military bloke) swore up and down and all over the guy.
> 
> Bob told me he vowed that day, to never let himself be talked into a
> dangerous situation again. [snip]  Bob would remain on the beach, awaiting a
> wider window of opportunity and less risk, because Bob knows what it is like
> to be in cold water and deep trouble.

Doug's description of Bob's experience makes me wonder if the "Gotta Get Home"
syndrome is not a major cause of sea kayaking accidents.  IIRC, Doug's Storm
Island incident could be attributable to this, and I remember a fatality case
out of Whittier in Alaska definitely due to the syndrome.

Others have anecdotes in this direction?  (I do not, thank heavens, though I
have sat on the beach watching it storm many times -- I paddle with chickens. 
Hmmmmm.  Maybe that should be the Paddlewise slogan?  <g>)

-- 
Dave Kruger
Astoria, OR
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