Re: [Paddlewise] Safety in Recreational Kayaks

> From: John Fereira <jaf30_at_cornell.edu>

At 02:21 PM 4/18/02 -0700, Jackie Fenton wrote:
> > On 18 Apr 2002 at 14:09, ScanSport wrote:
> >
> > > I am only trying to find a way to make recreational boats safer for
> > > the "uninformed". But you are touching on my main problem here: How 
> do we
> > > define what is a recreational kayak vs non-recreational?


Just for clarification, I didn't write the above.  I am not trying 
to find a way to make "recreational boats" safer for the uninformed.  
I don't think safer kayaking will occur by categorizing boat design.  
It could even encourage the opposite (tough guys taking boats out of 
their skill level into conditions out of their skill level because they 
don't want to be classified as wimps - or folks thinking that now they 
have the "appropriate" kayak, they are prepared for *any* conditions... 
sort of like the false sense of security some get with collecting
safety gear without collecting skills).   IMO, ignorance and/or 
inexperience (sometimes carelessness or bad luck) are the problems.  
All kinds of kayak designs have safely brought tons of paddlers back 
to harbor without incident.  The trouble usually begins when 
conditions change for an unprepared paddler who would still be in 
trouble regardless of the design of their kayak. 

> >I thought that unless you are a professional kayak guide/tour operator
> >(IOW: ability to take a tax write-off on your kayak), then all other
> >kayaking is recreational. ?
> 
> As far as I know, Doug Lloyd doesn't get paid to kayak.  Would you consider 
> Doug a recreational paddler?

If Doug doesn't kayak for enjoyment, then what else does he do it
for?  I'll repeat the definition for recreation: "refreshment of the 
strength and spirits after toil; amusement; diversion; sport; pastime. 
n : an activity that diverts or amuses or stimulates"  That pretty
much sums up the reports I've read on Doug's kayaking experiences. 

Those of us that aren't kayaking for pay, are doing it because we
enjoy it.  That's recreation.  And some who enjoy kayaking are 
getting paid.  That's damn lucky :-)

> I don't think making the distinction between recreational vs. professional 
> works either.  I've been on a couple of guided tours where the "guides" 
> were paddling a Keowee or something like it.

This is my point.  I think the more appopriate distinction should be 
about the level of experience a kayaker has for *that* activity, not
boat design.

> I like the definition that Canoe and Kayak magazine uses:  casual 
> recreational.  It implies a casual interest in paddling rather than someone 
> that takes it seriously enough to do an expedition or develop the necessary 
> skills to paddle in difficult conditions.

Again, this is my point.  It's about the individuals rather than boat 
design.

> What does it mean if you've got the Paddlewise logo tatooed on your butt?

You have no imagination when it comes to tattoos? ?

cheers,

Jackie
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