Re: [Paddlewise] Vertigo?

From: Dave Kruger <dkruger_at_pacifier.com>
Date: Mon, 06 Nov 2000 19:52:36 -0800
Barbara Kossy wrote:
> 
> [snip] Looking over the expanse of water softened by haze, with no nearby
> landmarks, again I became tense. I did the best I could, focusing my sight
> on a nearby paddler. On the way back I asked another paddler if I could
> paddle with him, just so I could have someone to look at as we paddled. If I
> looked over my left shoulder, and out into the empty flat gray bay, I had a
> sensation that could only be compared with looking into a deep elevator
> shaft, or over a sheer cliff into infinity. I felt I was loosing my balance.
> On a 19-inch boat this is not a welcome feeling.

> Has anyone had similar experiences? 

Yup, and it is scary.

Once, in a brightly back-lit haze on the water, with no reference marks.  And,
another time, in full-on whiteout on a glacier while on mountaineering skis.  I
suspect the only real cure is some other contrasting object.  Another paddler
is probably the best bet.  Failing that, maybe concentrating on an object on
your deck?

--
Dave Kruger
Astoria, OR

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Received on Mon Nov 06 2000 - 21:06:08 PST

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