Re: [Paddlewise] Helping a new paddler?

At 12:23 AM 4/14/00 -0700, TomW wrote:
>Hi,
>
>	Nope-haven't sold the Pursuit yet [and having second...ninth thoughts 
>about it too<g>] and the weather is getting warmer out here, and, and, 
>and...<g>
>
>	Anyway, at a recent rehab appointment, the subject about a local park 
>doubling its size, came up.  It is located very near one of the bridges 
>that join east and west Bremerton.  So I went down there to check it out 
>and what did I see?  A fella with a glass kayak, making preps to put it in 
>the water.
>
>	Well of course I had to get out and introduce myself to this guy!  I was 
>suprised to note that this fella was going to "water test" the boat he had, 
>as he was unsure of weather to purchase it or not<!>  He had taken a week 
>long kayaking charter in B.C. about 3 years before, and had not been in one 
>since apparently.
>
>	I asked him if he was familiar with the tide and current conditions here, 
>and he replied that no he wasn't.  I asked him if he had a marine VHF, or 
>CB or something?  Nope again.  Then I offered that in that case, would he 
>be upset if I stuck around and watched, so that in case of trouble, I could 
>call for help?


>
>	He then looked up and saw the kayak on top of my truck-then asked me if I 
>would be willing to accompany him on his "test drive..."  I got real honest 
>with him and told him that my chart was at home, I needed a new tide table 
>book, and besides... I have run into a little trouble with them since my 
>brain injury...<g>

While this was good of you to offer to watch in the case of trouble,  I
have to wonder if you're going just a bit overboard on safety precautions
for a test paddle of a new boat in what you later described as an inlet.  

There are times when knowledges of tides and currents, a VHF radio, and
having up to date charts and the ability to read are necessary, but those
requirements are hardly necessary for demoing a boat in "relatively stable
water in an inlet".

 >suggested air bags for forward, a new PFD, considering at the least a dry 
>top and farmer john, as well as some insulated foot wear, and a trip as 
>soon as possible to Gig Harbor Kayaks for some lessons!  I also recommended 
>joining this list if he could!

This, of course, is good advice.


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