At 11:30 AM 1/26/02 -0500, Scott wrote: > 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 normally paddle a race surf ski. I also usually paddle for just a few hours, rarely more than a mile from shore. My surf ski is a sit on top craft with no hatches and no deck lines, it's also black with medium blue trim. I fully understand that if I screw up I'm on my own. It takes me about 7 seconds to tip over and get back on the boat. I've paddled it, like a surf board, lying down - just in case I ever break my paddle. My complete set of gear consists of what I'm wearing plus my pfd, with water, a whistle, and some food. Performing rescues from this boat is not really an option. I could coach a rescue or raft up but would not be able to actively participate beyond that (the boat would probably break if used in a T rescue). Am I an unsafe paddler? The local club would not let me join their trips without changing what I carry. In my car I have a wide range of clothing options before I head out. I spend a fair amount of time determining what to wear, because that IS my safety gear. I also rarely push my limits - I've had a grand total of 4 unintentional capsizes in 20 years (3 silly accidents and one of pushing my limits). I should include I paddle in New England where wind is far more of a factor than waves. kirk choosing to paddle as a minimalist. *************************************************************************** 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 Mon Jan 28 2002 - 06:49:46 PST
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