Re: [Paddlewise] Going Off-line

Hey Doug,
Thanks for your Pushing the Envelope trip report. It was quite a fun read.
I'm glad somebody got to paddle in that blow. It seems like everytime
something interesting comes along, I simply cannot get away from work/life
to go paddle. That particular blow only lasted the morning in Seattle and
then it was clear and calm by afternoon time. At least it's prime river
season here, since rivers are much more forgiving of a busy schedule and
offer similar benefits, though with less solitude...

That is quite a story about the first encounter with the reef. I think I can
imagine how it went, and I am impressed that you survived without a scratch.
Pure dumb luck sure is helpful sometimes, isn't it? :) Solo, in a severe
storm, and rock gardening without a helmet! The first two are a calculated
risk, but not wearing helmet while rock gardening is just plain dumb. No
self-respecting river kayaker would ever do that, right?

Now about that reef... you neglected to mention how hard your hull hit the
rock. Or did it just ride up and over on a cushion of water? Full broadside,
or a quatering blow? Now I know why you make your boat so heavy with extra
glass. Also, how high was the drop from the top of the rock to the water
below as your kayak was sliding off?

Thanks for investigating what happens when a suck-hole opens up underneath a
kayaker. I've always wondered about that, though I doubt I would ever want
to get close enough to find out for myself. I like rivers where risk is much
easier to manage. I think your journey would rate as SK-VI, and I don't even
paddle class V... :)

Are you sure that you didn't leave the helmet behind on purpose to liven up
the story?

Well, since it's late at night, I guess I won't edit out the mild sarcasm
below. It's all fun.


----- Original Message -----
From: "Doug Lloyd" <dlloyd_at_telus.net>
To: <PaddleWise_at_paddlewise.net>
Sent: Wednesday, May 02, 2001 11:47 PM
Subject: [Paddlewise] Going Off-line


>
> 3) My recent "Pushing the Envelope" trip report might cause a few heads
> to shake. Please, new to intermediate paddlers that have just joined
> Paddlewise, realize that the outing into outlandishly chunky seas
> represented years of dedicated training, manifold experience, boat
> handling skills, heavily modified equipment, and a fairly intimate
> knowledge of marine hazards and local weather patterns.

Yes, based on your large body of similar stories, your training is indeed
substantial. Few could match it. But "training" is such a deliberate word...
tell us the truth. Is any of that training actually better described as
"experience"?

 I also know
> every square inch of my body, what my capabilities are, what my
> weaknesses are, and almost to the minute what endurance levels/cold
> tolerances/ stamina potential I have. I work hard at core-strength
> development with a "Swiss Ball", use abdominal awareness skills in all
> activities and training regimes I do, so predispose myself to being able
> to sustain abuse. Its all about finess, not heavy training.

Really? I just assumed that you maintained your fitness by lifting your
100lb boat onto the roof of your car. :)

>
> 4) Ultimately, solo rough water paddling is a high risk activity. It
> isn't publicly condoned. Kayak surfers, river runners, and even Tsunami
> Rangers all have their rating systems, protocols, recognized equiment,
> and tacit approval vis a vis appropriate risk taking. Sea and big lake
> paddlers engaging risk behavior are frowned upon for the most part.

I don't think this is true. People on this list who voice disagreement
simply don't understand that kayaking is ultimately a completely individual
sport. In kayaking, there will always come a time when you are responsible
for your own neck alone, which I think is unpleasant thought sometimes.
Still, it is quite nice to have buddies along to help you out of a jam
(sometimes literally). Also, you know the Coast Guard better than I, but
their perspective is probably skewed by all the beginners that get
themselves into stupid trouble. (This is inherently much easier to do in a
sea kayak than a river kayak.)  And I don't think Coasties really understand
the rough water survivability of an expert kayaker.

> Thanks for listening. Be safe please. See you in a week or two. And, if
> you haven't gotten out this paddling season yet, get off your duff, turn
> off the TV, get your gear organized, and go smell the kelp - from water
> level. Just do it.

You forgot to mention "And don't do what I do..." ;)

Cheers,
Kevin


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