Kevin said: -------------------------------- <snip> , but it appears that this tragedy would have been entirely preventable with proper gear and preparation. The newspaper called them "experienced", but I would disagree on that point. --------------------------------- Proper gear and preparation can't off course, prevent every tragedy; but from the insinuations in the article, it sounds like lack of proper paddling attire or equivalent was a significant factor. More information would be beneficial, but ultimately, does not this incident once again demonstrate the primal fallacy with respect to individual safety awareness? I mean just how many paddlers are there out there who have managed to luckily stay upright (some for many years), heads firmly (though a few furtively, I'm sure) stuck up in the clouds? I rather think there are numerous paddlers in the fraternity who never knew how close they came to possible disaster in the first few years, having had that one wave with their name on it miss its appointment. I bet there are thousands, lending testament to how serendipitously inclined sea kayaking truly is -- and fortunately so. As for "experienced", I see this adjective time and time again, but unless one's experience is manifold and varied, it really means very little. I also refuse to place the label "experienced" on anyone who does not avail themselves to adequate forecast and real-time marine weather reports, both upstream and prevailing. An experienced paddler understands a marine weather synopsis in every detail, makes strong mental notes and/or journals their regional weather forecast information. It is very easy to develop your own "shorthand" in order to record relevant information accurately. An experienced paddler also has paddled in controlled conditions, in sea states above their expected norms. Hopefully this includes deep water rescue practice in those same conditions. And in the case of the couple in the article from Alaska, the significance of wave direction and topography may have been an other awareness issue. As far as preaching the safety message, gear and skill must be presented synonymously as important to the newer paddler. Most shops I would hazard, place an effort on achieving a good balance. In the end, there is an "perception point" with every adult paddler, where a little light goes off, where one realizes the dangers of cold water and other marine hazards. For some, that light is a small flicker like the slow rise of the sun in December; for others, it is an instant light bulb turning on at some point in there paddling career. And for others, they just come into the sport "already lighted up". I continue to predict more single, cold-water tandem kayak fatalities. I also continue to believe course participation with an emphasis on seamanship and boat handling will go a long way to making our sport safer and responsible. Alaska is also one of the last places an outdoorsman wants to screw up in. Recreational users of the outdoors generally understand this in Alaska, and accept the consequences. Living with them may be a bit harder. Doug Lloyd (recovering adrenaline junkie) *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************Received on Thu Jan 24 2002 - 20:18:10 PST
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