Re: [Paddlewise] Safety

> Scott says:
> 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!
>

It's a paddler's responsibility to:

1. Take lessons and learn how to control your boat.

2. Learn about seamanship and rescue/ recoveries.

3. Outfit yourself for the conditions at hand.  This includes learning how
to use all your kit. (more lessons?)

4. Go paddling with a support team and practice pushing your limit and
comfort zone.

5. Continue with coaching until you are happy with your results.

I personally take paddlers into challenging conditions on a weekly basis.
Saturday we paddled near the mouth of the Columbia River.  The weather
forecast was for snow warnings (36º), flood warnings and high surf warnings
(20' NW). The tide was ebbing and big.  The wind was strong (up to 35 knots)
and onshore.  We push the limit with a support team that keeps us
self-sufficient and safe.    We have systems that work well and in this
environment we test and practice them. We waste no money on a bunch of
unnecessary equipment, in fact don't carry anything that isn't part of the
system.
Every trip we ALL come away a stronger, more savvy paddler.

steve
aldercreek.com





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