<snip> Do Leashes, tethers, epirbs, strobes, paddlefloats etc make a safer paddler? Or quite the opposite, does making the informed choice NOT to carry these items make a safer paddler? I have been reflecting on this for pretty much the life of this list, and I believe the latter case. I wear a foam pfd and helmet on the river but choose neither of them at sea. I might decide to take only paddle, clothing and boat or I may have a boat full of kit down to a vhf and gps. When am I safer? Does the excess equipment make me an un-safe paddler? They used to burn Heretics. Flame away. Colin, no flames here, just some smoke and mirrors - well, at least a signal mirror (CD in a pinch) and a good marine grade canister smoke flare ::-) You know, its funny. I'm just finishing up my initial manuscript regarding a kayak kite sailor who died during a crossing. The coroner felt the paddler should have been in more appropriate immersion apparel, should have had a VHF, perhaps a tether and a tethered knife, proper kayak foot wear as opposed to the bloody big Wellies he was wearing, and more flares (not sure if he had any). The paddler also had no roll or self rescue technique. The paddler could have also stayed at home. What was the official recommendation. He couldn't make one. He gave me "the file". Too many questions, too many differing versions of what is safe. Obviously paddling alone, with a kite, during squally conditions was not a good idea. Yet, all who knew the dead paddler considered him safe. He still went into the cold drink, he still died. I have all kinds of gear, training, back-ups, skill, stamina, etc, and also wound up in the drink once (well, a few times, but one serious incident for sure). Stuff happens. The real question is, what is safe? On one end of the spectrum you have a paddler who has no idea of the real dangers, and on the other, is the overconfident paddler who figures they are superior to the risks. Both these individuals are unsafe in my opinion. I do know that if one is going to take extreme risks, one must take extreme safety. Gear can be part of that maxim. I have no problem with paddlers who minimize their gear. An experienced paddler, heading out solo in cold water, with minimal protection (heck, wear all cotton if you want) is a choice the individual makes. You once told this list you have had a few mini-dramas, but usually you make it home, simply with a cold ars (UK for ass). I can see why ::-) By the way, they used to burn heretics for political reasons. Just a reminder that on this side of the pond, it is politically incorrect these days to recommend your specific regional UK approach immersion apparel - or lack thereof. Now, let me see where I put that kindling... Respectfully, Doug Lloyd *************************************************************************** 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 Mon Apr 02 2001 - 23:14:22 PDT
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