Re: [Paddlewise] Jetski incident

At 12:36 AM 4/14/01 -0700, Doug Lloyd wrote:
>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.

Would have been nice, but unfortunately I can't write that sort of stuff as
well as Rev. Bob could.

(snip)
>But I think
>the authorities are cracking down on jet skiers, as is the Coast guard,
>so there is hope yet. 

Seems to be the case in this neck of the woods. The COs last weekend said
that they are writing more tickets to PWCs. But there will always be bozos
out there.

>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.

I think you're right on both counts. There are always bozos out there, as I
said, but it's the responsibility of the respectable elements of society to
do something about them. I remember reading about a similar program to what
you suggest sometime this last winter. It does seem to help some times.

>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.

We did have a float plan for the trip, not that it would have done us good
for several hours. However, your point about having better ways of calling
for help is well taken. We did have some of those piddly little skyblazer
flares, but they're only carried because of the requirement for flares on
the great lakes, where we paddle occasionally. They are not required on
inland lakes. Now, I'm rethinking that part. VHF radio would not have
helped -- inland lake again, no one monitoring -- but a cell phone would
make sense.

>Then again, I usually enjoy Jet Ski wake and can't get enough. 

On inland lakes, we don't see big waves unless they're motor powered. Jet
skis leave piddly little wakes compared to ski and wakeboarding boats. I've
caught some great surf off of them . . .

>
>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.

There's being reasonably prepared, and there's being overprepared. It's
possible to prepare yourself so far in one direction that you increase your
danger of risk in another direction. Were we underprepared for the
incident? Yes. Wildly so? I don't think so given the circumstances.
Certianly, the incident will lead to some modifications in preparations in
the future. Atcually, the biggest sore thumb that sticks out is the need
for rescue and recovery practice.

>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.

[blush] . . . aw, shucks . . . thanks . . . [/blush]

-- Wes
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