> There must be some new paddlers on Paddlewise who have recently "seen the > light" on safety. I would be very interested to read your story of why you > initially thought you were "safe", and then what experience caused you to > re-evaluate your safety. Was it something you read on Paddlewise, or in > other print media, or learned from a club or clinic? > > > Cheers, > Kevin Whilden > I once told the story of my family setting out in our new rec kayak secure that our PFD's were our silver bullet. The fact that it was Feb, even in GA, didn't matter. Hypothermia? But we aren't planning on going in the water my friend. What bliss...... I read Deep Trouble in Oct two yrs later. Two yrs. That is a long time to be in the dark. Why was I in the dark? Who knows. A Level I & II paddling course at Sea Kayak of GA seemed to open my eyes. I bit the financial bullet and with the very valuable knowledge of the masses here at Paddlewise I was able to choose the gear that would assist me to paddle much safer than I had been paddling. I changed my ways and became an advocate. Most still don't listen. I even bring an extra wet suit when going out. No one wants it. "You can save me", I have been told by other paddlers on occasion. "But will you save me", I think? I like redundancy when possible. Some, perhaps many paddlers, truly can't afford to purchase some of the expensive extras. VHF radios aren't cheap. But used wet suits are. Ebay has hundreds of affordable ones every day of the week. I paid a total of $6.00 for mine. Throw $5.00 shipping on top and you have money left over for beer. I saw enough people killed while in the Army to know that safety really is important. Jim et al *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
Kevin Whilden Writes: "Why do people who preach safety in the realm of sea kayaking often find resistance and derision?" In my opinion those who deride safety measures, training, prophets of safety, etc., are simply unaware of the power of water and their interaction with it. Maybe they have not availed themselves of the wealth of fine material, (books, coaches, videos, periodicals, web forums) available on the subject, or paid little heed to it. Or perhaps it is something they feel "they don't need." We are no longer in the embryonic phase of this sport, as witnessed by the wealth of material and perhaps we need to remind those we see or hear of what there is available and where to get it. Gently, at first. Sadly, it will still never reach all of those who may need it. Kevin Continues: There must be some new paddlers on Paddlewise who have recently "seen the light" on safety. I would be very interested to read your story of why you initially thought you were "safe", and then what experience caused you to re-evaluate your safety. Was it something you read on Paddlewise, or in other print media, or learned from a club or clinic? Some time ago I was with some friends in exposed coastal waters in and around Bella Bella, BC. All of us were inexperienced for the area.Nothing happened in a seriously bad way, though I did get stuck in a tidal rapid and my group disintegrated from poor companion choices made. All of that was available in the material I consumed and classes I attended, but until that episode, my level of consciousness regarding safety did not make those connections to the danger I presented to myself and others. But I continued and sought the "experts". All of the safety gear brought on that and other trips is typical of what an "advanced" paddler carries. This includes: Dry suits, pfd's, knives, flares, repair kits, floats, pumps, etc. Many beginners don't connect why their "adventure" should be so encumbered, nor do they understand many of the issues surrounding hatches, bulkheads, sea socks, tethers, etc. Only my continued immersion into the realm of extended instruction and real world experience has connected the dots between "what could happen" which is why I have this piece of gear and "how will I handle it when I am up to my neck in 45 degree water and I'm 10 yards from my boat and fading fast?" That is where the instruction comes in, whether one is taught by others or one teaches themselves. Safety is more than consumerism, but perhaps the definition will evolve per the individual, to an awareness that entails a better understanding of the risk one assumes as a kayaker. Kevin continues: Conversely, if some new paddlers started out as an immediate Safety Wonk, with full drysuit, flares, VHF, float bag, tow system, river knife, etc..., what convinced you to shell out the "long green"? Was it the kayak salesman? Did you ever wonder if you were being victimized with all those accessories? One can make alot of gear if they've the time. I don't, so I've spent some money to be sure. Perhaps a farmer john/jane, dry top, dry suit are a lot for many temperate water paddlers so they don't shell out the cash. The image of "another kayakers body was found..." on the morning news kept my appetite for influences, positive and negative, keen. This is as equipment intensive a sport as any that exists, this side of nature photography. Yet, a good instructor is not that much money and is an excellent first choice. Not to mention the relationship factor often gained by hanging around good paddlers met at clinics. Kevin continues: Another question is the definition of "expert"...Is there anyone here who had at some point thought they were "expert" and then had an experience that exposed your folly? I would love to hear your story. I have found many suitable "experts" in my local area. (People demonstrably better than me) I also attend symposiums and learn from instructors otherwise unavailable in my area. Although good equipment is certainly an advantage, good instructors will show you why you need it and how you can use it under duress. My wife would probably tell you of the time (a long time ago, mind you) I demonstrated to her a "proper sweep stroke" and I ended up shaking hands with Davey Jones. Needless to say I canceled the impromptu lesson, swam to shore, wrang my clothing out and settled on professionals for our mutual guidance. I did feign hypothermia a bit which helped me advance our relationship. I don't care how good you are: there is always someone better and you may need one day, what they have to offer. One doesn't have to bring the expert along always, just the expertise! Rob Gibbert *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
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