Re: [Paddlewise] my trip in the upper gorge of the Green (WA) - long

----- Original Message -----
From: "Jack Fu" <jack.fu_at_worldnet.att.net>

Really amazing story Jack,

The general risk involved in whitewater is far higher than in seakayaking
( I mean under "normal" circumstances ). I also practice whitewater from
time to time. And even when I´ve incursioned in class IV I consider mysel a
class III kayaker. I love good adventure and feeling the adrenaline flowing
through my brain, but every time I jump to the river, even class II rivers,
fear starts to invade me. This is good somehow, as it keeps me alert, but
after running the river I´m fulfilled with relief, and a small voice inside
me rejoices that I´m all right.

The higher the river class, the higher the fear. Some years ago, this fear
led to panic in a class IV river. After running the last rapid, rolling and
looping a couple of times, I finished completely dissoriented and exhausted.
Then the guide congratulated all of us as we all were o.k. and there were no
accidents of any kind. We had a simple float 'till the end of the trip. Once
I felt safe I relaxed while floating and lost all my concentration. Suddenly
I fell in the smallest hole I´ve ever seen, stupidly small, but strong
enough to loose my balance. While bracing I listened to a "crack" and
capsized. Paddle broken ? No, arm dislocated !

Well then, 6 hours to reach the hospital, and 6 more waiting to get it
reduced. 2 years without kayaking. Developing a better technique and of
course, the last class IV to me, and the oath to forget about trying rodeo
ever in my life.



Another important aspect about whitewater is the fact that you allways rely
on your partners, as they also rely on you. This is important in the way
that knowing each other very well, knowing the way your partner will react
in a danger situation, helps you to anticipate his moove, and eventually
saving his life.

| Your decision not to boat class IV might be the right one.  Only
| you can know that.  I know that I personally have made the decision
| not to boat class V water because I know it is dangerous and that
| the chance of not making it home is a little higher.  I have a blast
| playboating on class III, and am satisfied that I can remain
| challenged with playing the III's.
|
| Keep boating within your ability... see you on the river,

Absolutely agree.

I´ll suggest you to try surfing "Doug's" stormy seas. There's no holes in
the sea, waves can be huge, but sooner or later they collapse and die. And
as long as you're not in a rock garden or a coral reef, there´s no risk of
hitting a rock. I´ve been surfing 10 mts waves without fear, and I love and
have fun being rocked, shacked, and pushed up and down.

Cheers.-

Kayak Argentina - Sea Kayaking Mailing List
Fernando Lopez Arbarello
kayak_argentina_at_uol.com.ar



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