Re: [Paddlewise] Hypothermia

Re:  "superficiality" and tendency to "narcotize:"  probably some of
both,
Doug.  I'll accept being somewhat superficial if you'll accept the other

label.  Pejorative exchanges aside, I suspect the "ho hum" reaction may
have
other, valid bases: <snip>

Sorry Dave, I snipped your measured, articulate response; but I'm more
sorry you went to the effort of responding to my late night crankiness.
In fact, I know of a few folks who have unsubscribed or are thinking
about unsubscribing because PW isn't superficial ENOUGH -- way too
in-depth. Having said that, I do feel strongly that there is a large
superficial percentage of paddlers out there in kayak land, especially
when it comes to hypothermia. I wasn't necessarily thinking of the
regulars on PW, but then I shouldn't expect people to have to read my
mind.

There was a bit of a discussion the other week about the "Target Risk"
book. If there is an analogy with kayaking, surely it is the fact that
seated in one's kayak, insulated from the cold water, paddlers can and
do get fairly blasé about their close proximity to the unbelievable
danger below. And as you pointed out, land-based exposure can be a
danger too. I can't recall the number of times in the eighties when I
used to hang out in the Broken Group, that I meet kayakers on the beach,
in shorts, in a torrential downpour with high wind, grimacing with cold.
"But its supposed to be August they say." Yeah, and that's why the guide
books say "gales less frequent in summer". It doesn't say clear weather
for 3 months. Yet, they still come out, unprepared, and equally
uneducated about hypothermia -- though there is a lot less ignorant
paddlers out there now than the 80's.

Sorry too if I came across as a bit sensitive or looking like I need
attention. Must be the two year anniversary thing with Storm Island.
Left the three of us pretty "cold" for good I think. Brain no good now,
master. And I'm innured to some of the more fiercst gales now, which is
a dangerous position to be in. There are days out there where the
execration  for what I'm doing swamps my decks moreso than the heavy
wind waves. 'Tis a weird life when you aren't normal. Anyway, there's
lots of angels out there on the water waiting to dance, so I gotta go
get ready for 'em for the easter weekend. I don't know why I don't just
take up windsurfing -- nah, that's for yuppies.

Am I putting you to sleep yet. Okay, by for now. 8-)

DL (who enjoys everyone on this list, and says if I ever come across as
negative to anyone, it's usually just my twisted humour, which is a
Canadian thing).






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