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

Kevin Whilden Writes:
"Why do people who preach safety in the realm of sea kayaking often find
resistance and derision?"

In my opinion those who deride safety measures, training, prophets of safety, 
etc., are simply unaware of the power of water and their interaction with it. 
Maybe they have not availed themselves of the wealth of fine material, 
(books, coaches, videos, periodicals, web forums) available on the subject, 
or paid little heed to it. Or perhaps it is something they feel "they don't 
need." We are no longer in the embryonic phase of this sport, as witnessed by 
the wealth of material and perhaps we need to remind those we see or hear of 
what there is available and where to get it. Gently, at first. Sadly, it will 
still never reach all of those who may need it. 

Kevin Continues: 
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?

 Some time ago I was with some friends in exposed coastal waters in and 
around Bella Bella, BC. All of us were inexperienced for the area.Nothing 
happened in a seriously bad way, though I did get stuck in a tidal rapid and 
my group disintegrated from poor companion choices made. All of that was 
available in the material I consumed and classes I attended, but until that 
episode, my level of consciousness regarding safety did not make those 
connections to the danger I presented to myself and others. But I continued 
and sought the "experts".

All of the safety gear brought on that and other trips is typical of what an 
"advanced" paddler carries. This includes: Dry suits, pfd's, knives, flares, 
repair kits, floats, pumps, etc. Many beginners don't connect why their 
"adventure" should be so encumbered, nor do they understand many of the 
issues surrounding hatches, bulkheads, sea socks, tethers, etc. Only my 
continued immersion into the realm of extended instruction and real world 
experience has connected the dots between "what could happen" which is why I 
have this piece of gear and "how will I handle it when I am up to my neck in 
45 degree water and I'm 10 yards from my boat and fading fast?" That is where 
the instruction comes in, whether one is taught by others or one teaches 
themselves. Safety is more than consumerism, but perhaps the definition will 
evolve per the individual, to an awareness that entails a better 
understanding of the risk one assumes as a kayaker. 

Kevin continues:
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?

One can make alot of gear if they've the time. I don't, so I've spent some 
money to be sure. Perhaps a farmer john/jane, dry top, dry suit are a lot for 
many temperate water paddlers so they don't shell out the cash. The image of 
"another kayakers body was found..." on the morning news kept my appetite for 
influences, positive and negative, keen. This is as equipment intensive a 
sport as any that exists, this side of nature photography. Yet, a good 
instructor is not that much money and is an excellent first choice. Not to 
mention the relationship factor often gained by hanging around good paddlers 
met at clinics.

Kevin continues:
Another question is the definition of "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.
  
I have found many suitable "experts" in my local area. (People demonstrably 
better than me) I also attend symposiums and learn from instructors otherwise 
unavailable in my area. Although good equipment is certainly an advantage, 
good instructors will show you why you need it and how you can use it under 
duress. 

My wife would probably tell you of the time (a long time ago, mind you) I 
demonstrated to her a "proper sweep stroke" and I ended up shaking hands with 
Davey Jones. Needless to say I canceled the impromptu lesson, swam to shore, 
wrang my clothing out and settled on professionals for our mutual guidance. I 
did feign hypothermia a bit which helped me advance our relationship. I don't 
care how good you are: there is always someone better and you may need one 
day, what they have to offer. One doesn't have to bring the expert along 
always, just the expertise!

Rob Gibbert

***************************************************************************
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/
***************************************************************************