[Paddlewise] At what risk?

Craig MacKinnon said:
You acknowledge the risk of what you're doing, you abhor what you're
doing
at times, yet you're still drawn to it; are you willing to share with us
why
you think you are drawn to storm paddling? if not, I understand. I don't

mean to turn this into a group therapy session, but I'm honestly
interested
in what motivates you and others like you to chase storms, and whether
or
not you truly believe the associated risks justify the perceived
benefits.
I'm surprised the author of Target Risk didn't use you as a case study,
or
did he?
-----------

Actually, a friend did use me as a case study (anonymously), as part of
an article he did for SK Mag (didn't get published). He gave the theory,
but didn't illustrate the personal reasons why certain types take
certain risks that are true risks -- as opposed to perceived risks.
Guides are very good at making clients think that they are perceiving
risks as dangerous (but not too dangerous) that in reality, are not
dangerous at all. I on the other hand, often don't realize just how
dangerous the situation really is (or could quickly become). That's one
reason my gear choices are so important to me. A dry suit is an awesome
piece of technology, but I'd likely rip it on barnacle covered rocks, so
opt for the wet suit. But as far as the motivation, I don't think I can
give an answer that would be relevant to PW readers. I think folks got
tired with that stuff awhile ago, anyway. I do have a log entry that
expresses some of my thoughts and reflections concerning a more
dangerous incident off Solander Island. It is in my pencil written log
book. I'll copy it to Word this week (in between renos and a huge custom
built in I'm doing for a friend  -- so many jobs, so little time; so
many oceans, so little time) and post it -- just don't flame me when it
comes down the pike. 'Till then, be safe.

Doug





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