Re: [Paddlewise] Safety in Recreational Kayaks

This thread is starting to go off in a totally different direction. The
original thread started with requiring manufacturers and retailers to be the
ones responsible for insuring the safety of the paddler rather than
requiring the paddler to be responsible for his/her own actions.

The original list  of things to legislate that I posted was tongue in cheek.
All of the safety gear on that list is carried and used by both me and the
people I usually paddle with.

However, because of how quick to sue people in the US (especially CA) are,
when we invite others on our paddles, there is always a disclaimer that we
are not leading a trip, everyone is responsible for their own equipment and
safety, each paddler is responsible for determining if their skill levels
are suitable for the planned trip, etc.

I firmly believe in safety gear (and am considered a gear head by some), but
I don't believe I should be legislated into it's use. If I were to capsize
in my boat, it is not because Current Designs made  tippy boats, it's
because my skills at the moment of capsize were not up to the conditions.
Maybe I wasn't paying attention, maybe I shouldn't have been out that
day---but the responsibility for my safety is mine!!! If my paddling
companions can help great, but that doesn't imply that anyone else is
responsible for my safety or well being.

Do I wear a PFD every time I paddle---ABSOLUTELY. But I CHOOSE to wear it.
Does that mean I can tell someone else they HAVE to--no. But I will
certainly tell them that I would feel better if they were and that I would
not want to jeopardize my own safety to help them if they don't want take
some simple precautions to help themselves.

I'd hate to see the French rules for sea kayaking implemented here. Don't
spoil the sport for the rest of us, to protect a few from their own
stupidity. Let's all put our efforts into helping to educate the ones who
are willing to learn rather than trying to legislate them into safety.

The law in CA says that a jet skier has to wear a PFD and must be 16 years
old or older. Has that made them more considerate of others?---I don't think
so.

Steve Holtzman
----- Original Message -----
From: "ralph diaz" <rdiaz_at_ix.netcom.com>
To: <KiAyker_at_aol.com>; <PaddleWise_at_paddlewise.net>
Sent: April 19, 2002 7:21 AM
Subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Safety in Recreational Kayaks


> ----- Original Message -----
> From: <KiAyker_at_aol.com>
>
>
> > > 13. PFD (worn not carried)
> > > ----------------------------------------
> > > Yes, why not?
> >



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