Re: [Paddlewise] Techno-Junk

From:          "Steven A. Holtzman" <sh_at_actglobal.net>
To:            <KiAyker_at_aol.com>, <PaddleWise_at_paddlewise.net>
Subject:       Re: [Paddlewise] Techno-Junk
Date:          Tue, 29 Jan 2002 20:17:59 -0800

Scott and Steve,

I am in general agreement with Scott's sentiments. As I implied in my 
other remarks (list), I often don't take most of the techno-stuff on 
most of my outings. I like navigation, and prefer to do it in the 
clasical way with a chart on the deck and compass on the deck. I 
carry a spare paddle and have needed it at times, same for the tow 
line. My own history on the water has a lot to do with what I take 
with me.

I assume that neither of you would be out on winter water dressed in 
street clothes with your PFD attached to the rear deck.

I don't really think any of our readers will be the ones that find 
themselves in a disaster on the sea coast.

But we will have more victims this year. They will be novice paddlers 
that haven't had a course, read a book, read sea kayaker, ANorAK, or 
Atlantic Coastal Kayaker. They won't belong to a club or associate 
with other paddlers that have any significant level of skill. Their 
attitude is "What's to know? It's just water!" They have never been 
in cold water in their street clothes, and they learn from the press 
that cold water is fun in those annual Polar Bear Swims. In short, 
these victims are TOTALLY  OUT  of the LOOP as far as sea kayaking. 
And now they have those idiotic pond boats (ABSOLUTELY STABLE) to 
explore the coast. But, they'll always stay close to shore!

Ain't it all just cosmic, as an old friend used to say!

Chuck Sutherland
***************************************************************************
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/
***************************************************************************