Re: [Paddlewise] Info on accountability.

Out where I live because of the rocky beaches we deal with I believe there
are only two fiberglass kayaks used locally.  One of them is a double.
Everbody basically paddles plastic boats.  I think one of the many things a
group has to discuss when it is laying out its travel route is the handling
characteristics of each group members kayak.  This of course is really only
important when paddling in weather.  This is just one of  many issues that
should be discussed in choosing a course.  All of the group kayakers should
be aware that each group members kayak will handle different weather
conditions better or worse than others.  Personally I have the physical
conditioning and abilities to go in any direction I want.  I have come to
the conclusion I get to my destination quicker and in better physical
condition if I do not spend hours forcing my kayak to go in a direction it
does not want to.  So I let my kayak be the boss (Necky Looksha IV) and go
in the direction it, the kayak, wants to go.

<Bill>

Brought to you from beautiful Unalaska/Dutch Harbor, Alaska.
N 53°51.140'  W 166°30.228'

----- Original Message -----
From: <NEWTOT_at_mail.modot.state.mo.us>
To: <paddlewise_at_paddlewise.net>
Sent: Monday, December 04, 2000 5:13 AM
Subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Info on accountability.


> Pete,
>
> You stated:
> An individual paddler is always 100%
> responsible for their own actions. Excuses (my boat is too short or it's
> just a S-O-T and not fast enough) don't cut it. We, as the legal (and
> moral) master of a vessel, must accept all responsibility for that craft
> and crew (of one or two).
>
> I don't mean that at all!  Everyone gets used to their boat and develops
the
> skills necessary to control it.  The point Bill and I were trying to make
was
> that the amount of effort and skill required to do this is different for
each
> boat.  A weather cocking boat is going to take a lot more of both to keep
with a
> pack of hard tracking ones.  The hard trackers are going to require more
skill
> to turn in tight quarters.  Yes, with developed techniques this becomes
easier,
> but it is certainly more demanding.  Many boats are ranked "beginner or
expert"
> because of this.
>
> I accept the fact that I must be proficient paddler for my plastic boat to
keep
> up with a fast fiberglass one.  With the debate raging on skill levels, we
MUST
> look at the individual's boat.
>
>  Point: Don't classify a paddler's skill level or effort without looking
at his
> vessel!  There is a degree of difficulty involved.  This forum is just
another
> utility to help us master our vessels.



***************************************************************************
PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed
here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire
responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author.
Submissions:     PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net
Subscriptions:   PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net
Website:         http://www.paddlewise.net/
***************************************************************************