[Paddlewise] Safety vs Risk

I hope folks realize my rant the other day was somewhat tongue-in-cheek,
and I bear no ill-will toward Peter. I also hope folks understand that
some of my wilder paddling adventures, such as hair-boating at night in
tide races was done many moons ago when I had the strength and stamina
to get myself out of whatever I could get myself into. But the ocean is
always in control, demanding the upmost care, and I knew that even in my
younger days. I also know that the slide toward mediocrity in life can
be an ever present threat that undermines a sense of well being for
those that thrive at the edge. At the edge, one is acutely focused, and
must have a certain calm, control, and presence of character. Foolhardy
adrenaline junkies with no experience, little skill, negligible local
knowledge, and nonexistent back-up skills, will indeed often find
natural selection taking its course.

One other point for those who care to listen, or care at all (obviously
some due, as I had back-channel comments), the surf course I put on and
reported here on PW was a very safe and productive time. The bulk of the
class pulled way from the heavy surf zone soon occupied by the growing
number of board surfers. With the class taken care of, I was the one
that was perhaps getting too close to the other "water users".  If I had
been at the next beach up (Sombrio), I would have probably had my
vehicle vandalized (as a minimum!). Sorry if the report gave the
impression that the group infringed upon the locals, though the whole
issue of localism is still a big one, and that was what I was alluding
to. The site at Jordan River was given by the logging company in the
area as a recreational spot for all participants, and cannot be claimed
by any one group as their domain.

Enough ham and spam,

DL.


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