David Miskell wrote: > My question is what do others do to warn such inexperienced paddlers? I > don't feel good just paddling by but am uncomfortable at preaching. I also > don't want to feel responsible if someone I passed by drowned. Well, this is tricky. Engagement is the key, so that you have some rapport going before you lay on the safety stuff. Lots of on-the-water folks seem to be in their independent mode, and are not receptive to advice of the direct, confrontational sort. The trick is to hook 'em on the value of your gear (and ability to use it) without lecturing. Often, you can appeal to the (usually male) member of a duo who is a flagrant gearhead. Like this: Start a conversation about the ducks, the weather, the cool color of their craft, etc., then segue on over into one of the safety aspects of your own rig, something like: " ... hey, ever seen one of these? It's a paddle float I can use to get myself back into my yak. All you have to do is blow it up and stick it onto the end of your paddle while you're in the water, then hump your butt into the cockpit. I tried it out a few times to make sure it worked, and had some fun, too!" Or: "... boy, those feet look cold." (to member of duo who has blue lips) "Ever seen one of these babies?" (displaying upper edge of your FJ) "Keeps my body warm even when wet. Kinda kinky for a guy, 'cause it's sorta like a girdle. Guess it sort of evens things up. They come with relief zippers so it is easy to pee." And so on. It helps if you've been a teacher or a car salesperson ... [giggle] -- Dave Kruger Astoria, OR *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************Received on Tue Mar 13 2001 - 18:51:57 PST
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