Re: [Paddlewise] safety nazis (was sad news...)

----- Original Message -----
From: <JSpinner2_at_aol.com>
>     We, in CPA, get a hard time from some paddlers for our emphasis on
safety
> but if one life is spared some level of suffering, it is worth all the
> "safety nazi" talk in the world.
>

Joan, thanks for your comments.  They have got me to thinking...  (nobody
say, "imagine that!")

Why do people who preach safety in the realm of sea kayaking often find
resistance and derision?  Especially since in the realm of whitewater
kayaking, people who preach safety are seen almost as heroes (e.g. Charlie
Walbridge).

There must be some new paddlers on Paddlewise who have recently "seen the
light" on safety.  I would be very interested to read your story of why you
initially thought you were "safe", and then what experience caused you to
re-evaluate your safety.  Was it something you read on Paddlewise, or in
other print media, or learned from a club or clinic?

Conversely, if some new paddlers started out as an immediate Safety Wonk,
with full drysuit, flares, VHF, float bag, tow system, river knife, etc...,
what convinced you to shell out the "long green"?  Was it the kayak
salesman?  Did you ever wonder if you were being victimized with all those
accessories?

Another question is the definition of "expert".  I'm trying to figure out
how anyone, even a newspaper reporter, could call someone without safety
gear or thermal protection while paddling in Alaska in the *winter*, could
call them an expert.  Is there anyone here who had at some point thought
they were "expert" and then had an experience that exposed your folly?  I
would love to hear your story.

Cheers,
Kevin Whilden

PS.  dont anyone be shy now!  This is Safety Nazi's Anonymous... ;)



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