[Paddlewise] Storm Island

I am sure we would never read something like this in Sea Kayaker. At least I
would be quite surprised if the meat, particularly as it relates to group
dynamics, would not be edited out.

Your story certainly gives due cause to examine our own propensity to
acquiesce to group pressures, and the resolve not to do so when judgment
tells us otherwise.  Ever heard of "group think?"

You describe the less experienced paddler to have had 17,000 miles under his
belt?  Gosh.. I don't think I'll live long enough to accomplish that. That's
a career!  How do you have that degree of experience and still paddle in the
boat you describe, in those conditions, and with a "massive deck load?"
That amazes me.  

It's not just the conditions Doug found himself in, and the circumstances
that lead to the rescue that is so amazing.   More awesome, and worthy of
reflection are the members of the group and how the personalities came into
play.  Doug describes this well. It was chilling reading the account.  Doug
leaves us with the understanding of how difficult it is to orcestrate a
group and how easily group dynamics can undermine the safety of a trip.

Maybe I've not met enough 5 star paddlers in my life.  But the 5 star
paddler Doug describes does not sound like any other 5 star I've ever met or
even heard about.  Five Star not only connotes competence in extreme
conditions, but it also connotes leadership skills.

Amazing.

Thanks to Doug for publishing this.

Robert

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