Re: [Paddlewise] BC's Perfect Storm

Joe Brzoza wrote:

> Thanks for the long over-due post Doug!  Awesome...  Foolish but awesome.

Joe, et al:

I wasn't going to post my "Perfect Storm" paddle on PW, for obvious reasons,
but the movie kind of got me going. Lest people think I'm a complete idiot,
that type of outing was a rare one indeed for me (because of the log situation
and the almost impossible ability to maneuver with the paddle in the high
gusts). Normally, a lee shore beach can be a very safe place, even in the
biggest storms if the fetch is short enough to prevent dumping surf, and the
individual is adept at dealing with along shore currents, etc.,  and is a
strong swimmer.

I feel completely at home in that kind of stuff, and would like to buy the
appropriate craft for it, but can't justify the expenditure of a Tsunami Ranger
wash-deck kayak at this time in my life - I'd rather by some family style
kayals, these days. It's kind of interesting and funny, how a serious paddler
can look back over his or her life and gauge their changes in attitude,
maturity levels, acceptable target-risk values and levels of fitness by zeroing
in on various memorable outings or trips. I know I can see distinct changes
over the last twenty plus years, with pivotal changes occurring about every
five years or so.

Here is an excerpt from an upcoming Wavelength article due out in August --
it's where "I'm at" in my life these days:

"Another important health consideration is the intrinsic need within
most individuals for what might be called 'deep play'. Deep play
happens at a variety of levels within the various outdoor pursuits,
where one challenges personal skill levels through acceptable risks.
Sea kayaking opens our minds up to the sensations, fun, and
re-creation of continuity in our lives through rediscovery of wild
nature. Unlike risk-taking activities that reduce to a simple
'adrenaline rush' (like bungy-jumping), the state of well being
produced during a wilderness adventure paddle is more than a mere
transitory euphoria, lasting long after returning home. These kinds
of affirmations are amongst the high notes in the celebratory chorus
of life."

"For me, paddling exposed coastline, negotiating large ocean surf,
navigating difficult tidal passages, and developing the boat
handling/rescue skills required to safely engage difficult weather
conditions, satisfy an innate need for my particular version of deep
play. In the context of wilderness, this helps me find a sense of
person and place. Most deep play that transpires in a capricious
environment like the ocean gives high regard to three-dimensional
cognitive abilities along with the humility to recognize personal and
technical limits. To safely enjoy deep play, the individual must be
closely attuned to the environment having great respect toward it --
realizing recklessness is the worst kind of risk-taking.
Unfortunately, very deep play is often labeled as overly macho --
merely a male disposition of the boy-man, when it is really exclusive
of gender."

Well, take care. Safe paddling. Thanks for allowing me to indulge myself. And
hey, you should have seen the seas that day, what an awesome planet we live on
- don't forget it!

BC'in Ya
Doug Lloyd



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