Re: [Paddlewise] How it happens

Regarding ignorance, let's hear something relative to dealers that 
sell boats with an irresponsibly sunny view of risks when they send 
total novices out the door with the new plastic bathtub.  These new 
paddlers hit the water in the cold season dressed in street clothes. 
If they have a PFD, it's stuffed under the deck or tied to the boat. 
They have no flotation in the boats, know nothing about wind, tides, 
surf, rescues, cold water, etc.

Many deaths I have reviewed happened to victims who are out on their 
first trip. The victims had no idea of books, magazines, clubs, 
safety issues, available courses. They are sure they will never 
capsize, and if they did capsize, they are certain that they would be 
able to swim to shore- no matter the water temperature (no PFD, and 
dressed in street clothes and boots).

What is the answer?

Chuck Sutherland


> Jolie said: I am enough of a beginner to know why these dumb, and tragic 
> things happen. Paddling a kayak is deceptively easy--anyone can do it.  As 
> far as concerns about weather, gear, dressing appropriately, etc., people 
> simply do not know any better.  It's as simple as that.
> 
> I second that.  The first time I paddled a whitewater river, I honestly 
> didn't see the point of wearing a helmet or lifejacket.
> 
> And no, that does not explain some of my opinions.  By the time I did 
> actually hit my head, I was wearing a helmet!
> 
> Jim Tibensky
> 
> 
> _________________________________________________________________
> Join the world's largest e-mail service with MSN Hotmail. 
> http://www.hotmail.com
> 
> ***************************************************************************
> PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed
> here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire
> responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author.
> Submissions:     PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net
> Subscriptions:   PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net
> Website:         http://www.paddlewise.net/
> ***************************************************************************
> 
***************************************************************************
PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed
here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire
responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author.
Submissions:     PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net
Subscriptions:   PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net
Website:         http://www.paddlewise.net/
***************************************************************************