[Paddlewise] PFD Debate (was other things)

Bruce posted:

Date: Thu, 7 Sep 2000 06:38:19 EDT
From: Outfit3029_at_aol.com
Subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Safety and "Canoe & Kayak"  Magazine

In a message dated 9/7/00 6:17:07 AM !!!First Boot!!!, Strosaker_at_aol.com

writes:

<<  I think that like me, his tone is sometimes
 misinterpreted on this list. >>

  Mr. Duane, always the voice of reason.

  Bruce McC
  WEO

And I too apologize to Scott of So Cal. It was only after reading some
more unopened PW digests that it became apparent to me that Scott
represented an ongoing "different" voice in the PFD debate. My "bloody
idiot" post must have seemed like a pointed jab directly at him, which
it wasn't.

In fact, Scott brings up some good points in the PFD debate, including
the fact that often paddlers think they are safer for wearing a PFD,
when intrinsically, that is not the case. There are also times when not
wearing one isn't a great sin, but it all comes down to personal
judgment. And I believe that is what Scott is advocating for.

It is much easier in Canada, as Uliei (spelling, sorry) pointed out. We
don't have to wear them, just have them available. I often take mine off
on a calm, hot day, and have set up extra recessed deck fittings to hold
the PFD in place, where I can reach it pronto when needed.

On group trips with a small number of experienced open coast paddlers,
we have often pulled up beside each other and made a group decision to
remove PFD's when conditions warrant it on the smooth, glassy swell.
While one should have the freedom to make one's own mind up, the group
decision policy is a better way, fostering communication, compliance
with a general safety attitudes, and gives opportunity for hesitant egos
to bounce ideas off the group.

As far as kayak surfers, it would be interesting to see what would
happen if a ticket-issuing officer were to be at the beach where all the
kayak surfers were congregated. Would the obsequious individual issue
citations for the whole lot.

Anyway, I've back channeled with some folks in question on the PFD
issue, and all is well. Thanks Duane; I too enjoy your voice of reason
and your other talents displayed on PW this past year. Keeps me going on
this list.

One thing folks might want to keep in mind is that even simple outings
can turn awry. An incident happened to me a few years ago that was very
scary. It happened to a fellow Paddlewiser recently too, who e-mailed me
privately with his personal embarrassment. It involves involuntary
benign vertigo, with the onset usually coming from a slight feeling of
"unwellness", combined with a lot of multi-directional boat wake.

I'll use John Winters as an example to illustrate the phenomenon. One
usually leaves the beach feeling fairly well, but may have had something
to eat or drink that was supplementary to the normal regime. In John's
scenario here, perhaps it was a bit too much wine before dinner,
followed by re-heated, leftover pizza with anchovies. He heads out for a
small, romantic evening paddle with his  wife. Unknown to John, a major
fishing derby is just closing down, and returning fisherman zoom down
the channel to the marina, anxious to record their weigh-ins. Boat wake,
clapotis, and a generally confused sea state leave the kayak rocking
wildly (ralph may know what this is like from the area he paddles in,
all the time). John, who imbibed much more wine than his wife to summon
up creative juices for a recent PW post, starts to feel a bit green. It
is not long before he is feeling completely useless, unable to paddle,
and having to hunker down, deep in the cockpit. A sheepish plea for help
goes out to his wife, who has to tow John ignobly home.

Now, in my little story above, I changed the names and the causative
reasons, but the outcome was similar to what actually transpired for my
friend. But what if John had unfettered himself from restriction of PFD
usage for philosophical reasons, and actually not worn one. What if he
had capsized and actually become a very big burden for his wife. In the
real incident with my friend, a PFD was worn, and there were other
paddlers along to help. In my incident a few years back, I was at the
mercy of my narrow Nordkapp. That was one of the reasons I started to
carry a Sea Seat in the back of my PFD, so I could have a source of
stability if I needed it. I also have acquired a Back Up device
recently, but hate to mention theses devices, as they become the butt of
so many jokes from the eastern part of Canada :-)

Well, I've enjoyed the PFD debate -- anything but bland, though I'm sure
many have deleted. I will continue to wear mine most of the time, will
continue to try and be part of a responsibly equipped boating public,
and unfortunately, will not feel too terribly bad watching the RCMP cite
individuals headed out without proper compliance as soon as the
legislation is in place for the local law enforcement. In a relatively
free society, I have a right to my opinion and views too. I know
Americans in particular value their essential liberties, and I respect
the core arguments against mandated PFD usage. I do however, find the
statement "Give me liberty, or give me death", especially suitable to
the PFD debate :-) I also think it is far too easy for individuals to
sit back in their Ivory Towers (or at least behind their computer
towers) and rant away about freedom from puritanical government
legislation. Of course, it is also easy to pluck away at the keyboard
pontificating about safety and doing so with a smug, moralizing
attitude.

PFD Pros:
Helps keep the in-water person buoyant
Provides insulation in colder climes
Provides a place for emergency and convenience items
Can lend visibility
Further attachment point for knife and strobe
Integrated tow system capable
Provided a protective cushion from torso injury
Sets a good example
Maintains local compliance with regulations
Provides tender hearts with a "security blanket"
Can make you more buoyant for reboarding
Gives other paddlers a place to grab you to pull you up
Makes sculling easier
Makes a good head rest (I never sit on mine)
Looks "cool"
If separated from boat, may contain emerg gear

PFD Cons:
Can make one overheat
Cost
Can add to chafing
Bunches up your paddling jacket
Can be hard to get one to fit correctly
Can get snagged on a deck fixture on exit
Can make rolling back up difficult in shallows
One more item to leave at beach
May create a false sense of security
Will impede rapid swimming
Can snag on coaming during reentry
Can make re-entry and roll difficult
Can make it harder to secure spray deck

BC'in Ya
Doug Lloyd


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