Re: [Paddlewise] scary sight-Wetsuits

I am in the crowd that predominantly paddles without a wet or dry suit. I
paddle in the NW (San Juans and British Columbia)

I am an experienced paddler and accept these risks. Paddling in a
wetsuit/drysuit takes too much of the pleasure away from me.

I do not perceive that the paddling that I do is dangerous. I tend to paddle
in a group and pay attention to weather conditions. I can roll reliably. I
have advanced kayak skills.

I am as familiar with the risks in the environment that I paddle as anyone.
My decision is an "informed" one.

Many people sea kayak without the ability to roll. Is that lunacy? There are
lots of ingredients that go into safe paddling besides how you dress. Where
you paddle. Understanding of tides/wind etc. Nature of your kayak. Length of
crossing etc. One major risk is the drive to the put in.

Ultimately it is safest not to kayak at all.

There are times that I tolerate higher risks doing more "extreme" things. It
is just a decision.

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