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/ ***************************************************************************
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