Re: [Paddlewise] Jetski incident

Wes,
Thank you for sharing the incident. I must admit that at first, I though
it was going to be another Reverend Bob post (like the one where the
bear was nkawing on his leg, but he was just kidding in the end), but
after two paragraphs, realized you were serious. Truth really is
stranger than fiction.

I do think there is a huge double standard with respect to the criminal
aspects. I know friends and even another fellow Paddlewiser who were
accosted both on the water on off. Fortunately, here in BC the RCMP
often have fast response vessels, but usually you are on your own for a
time with the dangerous element(s). What I find appalling is that very
often, little is done other than a slap on the wrist. Land based
infractions involving harassment, circumstantial theft, etc., draw
immediate and swift justice; but water based problems and off-shore or
remote beach incidents garnish little support or sympathy from the law
unless piratism is involved (unlikely with a kayak :-) ). All my
evidence is anecdotal, but I've seen the pattern over the years. This
includes float plan landings, etc. In some of the cases above, the
perpetrators were under-age, and not much could be done anyway (don't
take daddy's runabout anymore, sonny, was the extent, etc).  But I think
the authorities are cracking down on jet skiers, as is the Coast guard,
so there is hope yet. I also think a lot of the problems are merely
symptomatic of a society in trouble. I work with troubled youth through
the church from time to time. I would love to have a small fleet of
doubles one day, and take some of these aggresive youths, and get them
into the challenging outdoors, away from anything motorized.

Also, I don't go anywhere without leaving a float plan, taking my cell
phone and VHF radio, and having my 12-guage flare gun handy. Personally,
I would have shot off a flare or two (not at the offending party). Kind
of like a girl crying "Fire!" when she's being sexually assaulted,
rather than yelling "Rape!" in order to get some help that counts. Then
again, I usually enjoy Jet Ski wake and can't get enough. If I was with
my wife or kids,  the outcome would have been a bit more severe for the
jet skier, depending upon at which point I got hold of his kill switch
(though I would have kept it for a paddle tether to keep ralph happy :-)
).

I noticed the other day you agreed with a thread downplaying the need
for multiple backups. I wonder if this incident altered your perspective
at all. I don't think you can ever be too prepared for anything at sea.
Just my opinion. Glad you all came out safe, and regardless, learned a
thing or two -- and conveyed the incident to PW in a gentlemanly,
dignified way. You are one big righteous dude.

Doug


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