Re: [Paddlewise] Safety and "Canoe & Kayak" Magazine

From: John Winters <735769_at_ican.net>
Date: Fri, 8 Sep 2000 06:58:50 -0400
Michael wrote:
>
> 1) Estimates I've seen were that anywhere from 30% to 50% of
>    Inuit and Aleut kayakers died at sea.

All estimates based upon written records kept by the Inuit Society For
Safety at Sea.

> 2) They did use flotation aids (sp*ns*ns) made of seal skins,
>    bladders etc.  In rough conditions they tied them to the
>    sides of the kayaks.  In good conditions they tied them to
>    the harpoon lines.

The widespread use of sea condoms by the Inuit exists largely in the mind of
their promoter. On the other hand, you will find lots of references to the
use of primitive versions of Genuine Canadian Ballast Rocks (TM) to prevent
capsize.

> 3) They knew how to roll.

Actually rolling was not widespread and many groups never attempted rolls so
"They" should read "Some" . "He who lives by pedantry dies by pedantry".

> 4) The Aleuts wore breathable, waterproof drytops.  (Not Gore-Tex,
>    stinky whale intestines).

Yes, and we should legislate that all paddlers use them. Post the
announcement in the Greenpeace News group.

Smiles and Chuckles

John Winters

***************************************************************************
PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not
to be reproduced/forwarded outside PaddleWise without author's permission
Submissions:     PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net
Subscriptions:   PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net
Website:         http://www.paddlewise.net/
***************************************************************************
Received on Fri Sep 08 2000 - 04:00:38 PDT

This archive was generated by hypermail 2.4.0 : Thu Aug 21 2025 - 16:30:31 PDT