[Paddlewise] The wet guy takes a knife on a plane

It's obvious there's a lot of paddling experience here. I'm enjoying just 
sitting back and listening in and learning a lot in the process. I'm a bit 
closer to the wet guy in experience but I think I'm running even with some 
of you on enthusiasm. That's a dangerous combination...one that could have 
contributed to the wet guys woes. I don't think you can blame the dealer 
whether or not he gave good advice or no advice. I bought my kayaks at a 
large dealer here in Connecticut and the only advice I got was I should buy 
2 paddles because I wasn't sure if I was going to spend more time on the 
ocean or on flat water lakes. But people are responsible for their own 
actions. I can't belive the wet guy lived in a bubble and had no idea a 
kayak could capsize and had no clue that cold water is a bad thing to spend 
time in. His enthusiasm put him out there that day and his lack of skills 
got him wet. Do you remember the first time you paddled? Did you have all 
the equipment and skills you needed? If you didn't did it stop you? I do 
think safety and knowledge are good things and staying alive is too. Yes 
you need a PFD and knife and an alcohol stove. You need to have a basic 
idea of what you're doing and a respect for the elements...and a paddle 
float so your paddle doesn't sink. But at some point you have to just go 
out there and do it.

dave


***************************************************************************
PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not
to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission
Submissions:     paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net
Subscriptions:   paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net
Website:         http://www.paddlewise.net/
***************************************************************************