RE: [Paddlewise] two kayakers missing

SNIPS

> When you see such cases, and they do happen often enough, it makes you
> wonder.  In this case what sort of provision did the lender 
> make in terms of
> including PFDs or in any warnings he or she may have made 
> regarding cold
> water clothing and precautions about paddling?
> 
> 
> I often wonder what they think of us.  And, of late, 
> I wonder what
> they would make of Doug Lloyd with his elaborate deck 
> rigging, diving knife.
> Sea Seat et al.
 
When I got my first Kayak last February (2000), I was aware of the dangers
because I had done a bit of research and reading first, plus had known a
high school couple who had gotten into Kayak trouble at the Outerbanks of NC
the summer before - he didn't survive, she was found in a duck blind almost
2 days later, but alive.  Her mother was livid when she heard that I had
bought a Kayak, but that's another story.

Anyway, while I was at work, my wife called and wanted to know where the
paddle was because she and her mother wanted to launch from the house and go
for a spin.  I wanted her to wait until I could show her a few things that I
had already learned - she and her mother thought I was being selfish with
"my" (as opposed to "our") kayak.  The outing was reluctantly dropped after
a brief argument.

Following weekend, I was going to show her some basic stuff.  When it came
time to put the PFD on, I got more resistance... followed by another
argument, followed by putting the Kayak away again.

Following week, I got a call at work from my wife, on her mom's cell phone,
while she was out in the water with no PFD, no paddle float, no nothing,
asking how to turn.  Again, we argued, and she hung up.  That evening, I got
a nasty lecture from her mother about being a selfish worry-wart.

My wife hasn't been out again (although she is showing an interest)and every
time I see an article about an accident I cut it out and show it to my wife
and mother-in-law.  The wife is showing an interest in learning some skills
and practicing safety (which means I might be able to give her my boat and
get a new one !!!!), but the mother-in-law still thinks I'm being stupid.
She's supported by my father-in-law who's attitude is "just don't tip over,
and if you do, just climb back in and keep going".  He's never even sat in a
Kayak, or a canoe.

Anyway, I'm now the selfish, scardy-cat son-in-law....... but that's okay,
because I've done what I can to keep thier daughter alive and well,
regardless of their ignorance for Kayaking.

BTW, when I started the process of learning navigation, me father-in-law
(who also lives on the water and has been a boater for over 30 years)
thought I was again being stupid.  "What do you need a book for, just look
at the compass and go", he said.  "What about true vs. magnetic north, and
declinations, and plotting, and wind, and waves, and current, .....", I
said.  His response was great. It was "What?"  I love him, but what an
ignorant, know-it-all idiot!  --  (said with love, of course.)

Here's my point... Ralph wondered what others might think of us.  I don't
know what everyone thinks, but my in-laws think I'm a stupid, worrisome,
scardy-cat, over-protective, take-all-the-fun-out-of-it, party poop whose
too selfish and scared to let anyone take the boat out and play for a while.
But that's okay, because we're all still alive to keep that tension
going!!!!!!

Well..... that was theraputic :-)  I feel much better now.

Rick - Poquoson, VA

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