[Paddlewise] Subject: Re: The Gotta Get Home Syndrome

Dave wrote:
>>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.>>

Dave, et al:
It is true, "Gotta Get Home Syndrome" was a contributory factor in the
Storm Island incident. There were a number of contributory factors, but
wanting "home" was a subtle part of it. I say subtle, because the syndrome
isn't as pronounced as one would always assume. The interplay between the
type of weather experienced (yucky weather, let's call it quits), how well
the group is getting along (none-solo trips), and the all important
what's-pressing-at-home/work- or the wanna-be-in-a-warm-shower question, is
a complex weave that one must be aware of and on guard against. 

On our trip, adequate time had been built into our schedule for time off
work - we didn't need to do the crossing or rush home - yet we tacitly
agreed that we didn't want to be on the wet, cold, exposed coast anymore. I
was worried about my family being worried about me, etc. Things are going
on in your head. This is the point where a group needs to logically and
effectively communicate with each other, illumining from each what the "big
rush is all about" and if it is better to remain patient and wait (or
whatever). B.A.D. (Balls, Attitude, Determination) should be overuled by
another B.A.D.: Brains, Awareness, Discipline - or whatever.

Our particular trip also suffered from a weak member of the team who
indicated he was capable of more than he was able to deliver under harsh,
cold, windy conditions. It is easy to say the team is only as strong as the
weakest member, and this is true, but there are complex, subtle assumptions
when one plans an expedition class paddle. It is very difficult to look
back once under way. Yet, the maxim still holds true. It is also up to the
weakest person on the team (given that they are a cumbersome element) to
voice themselves if they are not up to the challenge at hand. The hopefully
communicative paddler must ensure that he or she is understood by everyone
on the team, not necessarily just the leader, as the leader may have there
own agenda. The communication must be clear, decisive, forceful, and must
garnish a verbal response from the rest of the party, with more than a
small degree of acceptance. There should be no second-guessing or
mind-reading required.  

>>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 is an example of a good, mature paddler. He is older than me. I just
turned 42 yesterday, so I have a more mature paddling perspective to look
forward to as I slide downhill! Does that mean I can say, "Wishing myself
many happy returns - from the ocean?"

BC'in Ya
Doug Lloyd 

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