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

The recent posts on this thread reminded me of a situation Joan & I
encountered several years ago.  We were clients in a small 3-day overnight
tour supported by a popular outfitter in a well-known resort area.  Our
group consisted of a two doubles and three single kayaks.  There was a
married couple in their late 40s, in excellent shape, with lots of canoeing
and hiking experience, but no kayaking experience.  They paddled one of the
doubles.  In the other double were two brothers in their 30s, also fit, with
varied sports experience and little or no kayaking experience.  My wife and
I were in singles, as was our 20 year-old guide.  As we loaded the boats, we
found that one of the neoprene covers was missing from one of my hatches.
The guide took the cover from one of her hatches and gave it to me.  So much
for checking the equipment.

After we loaded the boats, the "safety talk" consisted of pointing out the
grab loop and stating that "you will want to keep that available."  At no
time did I hear the guide ask any of us about our previous experience in
kayaks.  So we put in, my wife and I casting glances at each other, and in
no time the doubles were a quarter mile ahead of the guide and us, with the
distance widening between them.  I asked the guide what she would do if one
of those boats happened to capsize.  Her answer was, "I've been doing this
for three years, and no one has capsized yet."  So much for guide training.

As they say on Wall Street:  "Past performance is no guarantee of future
success."  How long can outfitters like this one stay lucky?

Bob V



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