In a message dated 3/8/00 7:26:01 PM, baker_at_montana.com writes: << This in and of itself might not have been a problem if he had a bombproof roll ("the Malagiaq/native Greenlander factor") but he didn't. Capsize in his case would have meant getting quite wet. >> Tough call, Shawn, Certainly if you have a relationship with Ryan you can ease him over to safety by explaining how uncomfortable his exposure makes you feel. That it is difficult for you to relax and enjoy with the potential for disaster hanging over his head. If he's a friend or even just a reasonable person, he should be able to appreciate your concern and take action to alleviate the potential for mishap. Regarding the shop, it would cost them next to nothing to toss in a pump and paddlefloat with each rental. But I fear the shops like Chuck Holst was describing are far and few between, the shop that would only rent after completion of a basic safety course. Not many shops are going to refuse business for the sake of a few boneheads that don't know better. Lastly, don't beat yourself up over it. You will fine tune your safety checklist over time as various issues present themselves. This event will certainly stay with you and affect you safety planning for the rest on your days. We can't always nail every detail by planning in the abstract, sometimes we need a real life hazard to whack us up side the head so we can remember it. As individuals and as a group, we should strive to review and analyze safety and/or procedural failings. But we should also stay positive and concentrate on the benefits of each lesson we are given. It serves no one to criticize another paddlers attempt at safe paddling. So for me, I see that you did approach the paddle with safety in mind and left with even more knowledge and information to protect you and your trip mates on future trips. I just wonder if you're going to make me go through some safety checklist when you finally come east. Take care Shawn and give yourself some credit! Jed *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
Nice post, Shawn. You wrote, "any suggestions as to how I can gently state my intentions to these two [paddling partner and retailer]? They are both friends and do value my advice." A few years ago, a bunch of new folks showed up at a CPA beginner trip on which I was helping with REI rental kayaks. They had PFDs --- which they seemed very surprised that they had to *wear* --- and even **zipped up**! --- but they had no idea what a paddlefloat was or why they'd need pumps in such little boats! Following the trip, I wrote to REI --- not exactly a schlock house when it comes to outdoor stuff --- and explained my concern that they were sending out newbies in their boats without baseline safety equipment. Got a nice letter back, agreeing completely, and saying they understood our concern and were changing their policy on sending out rentals with adequate equipment. No biggie. I treated it professionally --- so did they, although they really wouldn't have had much to argue with if they'd wanted to. It worked. If you explain it to them as you have to the list, Shawn, I can't see how you'll have any problems. Jack Martin *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
This archive was generated by hypermail 2.4.0 : Thu Aug 21 2025 - 16:33:10 PDT