[Paddlewise] Safety

   I have a question. Is the paddler who overburdens him/herself with rescue 
and safety equipment considered to be safer simply by the mere presence of 
all of the crap they carry? Just how much crap does one need to throw into 
their boat to be considered safe? I'm sure that without too much effort I 
could completely fill my boat with rescue and safety equipment to the point 
that I would be able to carry little else, like clothes and food. Would I 
then be considered safer on the water then all of you? Where does one draw 
the line? 
   We have all heard of the exploits, and boat outfitting of Mr. Lloyd, and 
although I feel he has a tendency to take it a bit to the extreme, I at least 
can understand his reasoning behind it as he routinely paddles in some pretty 
challenging stuff. Is it really necessary for the average Joe paddler to try 
and emulate Mr. Lloyd and to be expedition equipped for a simple leisurely 
day trip down the coast? I have seen (and paddled with) many a paddler who 
seems to think so.
   Several people have mentioned the importance of needing to practice with 
the safety equipment they carry. Could it be that it is in fact that 
practice, and the skills derived from such exercise, that is building a 
stronger and safer paddler rather then the equipment they carry? Isn't it 
even possible that some paddlers, particularly those beginner types often in 
question, might in fact be inclined to take even greater risks due to the 
false security of having a pile of rescue and safety equipment in their boat?
   I will take a good dose of rational thinking and common sense over all of 
the rescue equipment in the world. I believe the emphasis in this sport 
should be on prevention rather then recovery. I believe that the vast 
majority of average Joe paddlers would be far better off learning to paddle 
with some restraint and practicing skills rather then wasting their money on 
a bunch of unnecessary equipment which the paddler SHOULD never need!

OK, I'm braced for all of the back channel abuse from all of you techno 
junkies out there.

Scott
So.Cal.
    
    

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