Re: [Paddlewise] A Serious Question

From: "Frank & Susan Malinowski" <yakers_at_earthlink.net>


> Definition, wuss: a spineless creature,  turned jelly like with fear.
> 
> Some of you may think this is cute and laugh a bit. 
> [...]
> So whats the prescription? Put back on some weight? Have a few beers? Get
> out and paddle more? Take a rolling class? 

None of the above.

> Skip the rough stuff and stick
> to the bays where I love to paddle & watch the birds?

Maybe.

What I got out of your post was a message that you just weren't comfortable that day.
So?  Last week I was kayaking for the first time this season (it's been a long ski season - 
for a change!).  Instead of my own kayak, I used my partner's (first time it's been on the
water).  It's a tad skittish compared to mine.  The air temp was 25C (77F); the water was 
maybe +2C (35-36F) - the worst combination.  I decided on the wet suit over the dry suit 
because of the heat and decided to stay inside the breakwater and follow the shore after 
seeing the waves and wind.  I probably looked like a beginner.  My technique was off, if 
for no other reason than feeling nervous about an unfamiliar kayak, frigid water and very
high winds.

I cut my paddle short - to about half what I planned.  Wimp?  No just being smart and not
pushing my luck.  There's are other days to paddle.

I think you did the right thing.  You went with your feelings and errored on the side of 
caution.  This has nothing to do with being a wimp.  If you push and fail, especially  after
feeling uncomfortable about the situation, you get less out of paddling and may end up
drifting away from it.  You're in it for the pleasure, not to be a hero.

Mike

PS the rolling class could be fun.



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