Scott is right about the statistics on PFDs. But I don't need no stinking statistics to get me to wear a PFD. All I need is the knowledge that I'm going to be able to keep my head above water for a lot longer with the PFD on than without it and it is a lot easier to do self-rescue if your head doesn't keep going underwater when you lift your hands out of the water to get it set up. Also, if there is some reason (rare but possible) the PFD is endangering me, it is a lot easier to take it off in the water than it is to put on in the water. I've used the following reasoning with a paddler/photographer (who has far more paddling experience than me-so who am I to tell him what to wear) in an attempt to get him to use his PFD on an open coastal trip. "I realize that it is your decision, but if I happen to take this great picture with you in it I won't be able to get it published in any magazines or use it in our advertising if you aren't wearing a PFD. We are wearing our PFD's. You will be able to sell your pictures that's hardly fair." Not quite a "quote" but you get the idea. Remember the great picture of the guy surfing straight at you in the yellow kayak on the Sea Kayaker cover a few years ago. Same trip, good thing for the photographer we (his surfing models) were wearing our PFD's for him (as well as for our own safety). Matt Broze http://www.marinerkayaks.com/ *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************Received on Sat Apr 20 2002 - 17:30:27 PDT
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