Re: [Paddlewise] Victoria Incident (was Michigan Kayaker dies...)

With snips...

Warner Family wrote:

> >
> >In this case, five paddlers turned out to be just the right number,
> >though if it had been the other four, they wouldn't have needed the
> >fifth :-)
> Ok since my name was also mentioned I feel compelled to throw in a few words.
>
> The offensive person in this episode, I'll call him Fat Boy, simply to
> slander the guilty, often shows up on these Sunday paddles uninvited.  The
> gentleman who organizes the Sunday and Wednesday paddles is 73 years old
> and has been a great mentor for a large number of kayakers in Victoria.

Anyone giving a 73 year old facilitator a bad time should be called "Fat
Basta..."

>
>
> As Doug said it was a struggle to get Fat Boy into first, his PFD, then
> into his wet suit, which he always told us was stored under his front
> hatch.  I was on hand at one paddle when he was told no wet suit no
> go.  Now what can be plainer than that.  Short of beating Fat Boy up or
> holing his boat what can you do.

I kind of side with Scott in that no one should be told that they have to wear
certain gear, but it can be difficult getting larger folks back into their kayak
after a capsize, and that is why I mentioned the weight factor - not to be rude.
A wet suit can buy everyone so much more time. The fact that this fellow slipped
away so easily down-current while in the proximity of good paddlers, shows the
efficacy of backup immersion apparel. To be honest, I'd rather have a well
trained, skilled paddler along on a trip wearing fleece that an unknown quantity
along wearing a wet suit or dry suit.

>
>
>
> I believe this situation was exasperated by past behavior.  On past trips
> Fat Boy has dropped so far behind that he's caused the sweep (myself) to
> paddle in endless circles just to keep him in front of me.  I've seen him
> paddle a crossing in such a way that caused a BC ferry  to alter it's
> course  to avoid running him down.  I've seen him drop out of group paddles
> to take pictures without letting anyone know what he was doing.  The one
> piece of equipment he can always be counted on to wear is his radio.  Not
> VHF but AM so he can listen to the CBC.

At least he has some class!

>
>
> Did Fat Boy try to call out for help?  Did he use a whistle or bang on his
> hull?  I don't know, but I'd be surprised if he had the fore thought to do
> so.  These Sunday paddles always include some sort of rescue practice
> either rolls, Eskimo rescues off a bow, bracing practices or sometimes
> towing.  Fat Boy never participated in these exercises but has told me he
> could roll and do a self rescue.

Well, I could tell you about a little episode off the Storm Islands a few years
ago with a paddler who was capable of less than initially indicated. I take
nothing at face value anymore, nor do I expect other paddlers to not question me
about skills, previous to a trip, and perhaps want to go on a test paddle.

>
>
> Now here's where I part with Doug.  I know these Sunday paddles are not
> always every man/woman for themselves.  I know this for a fact because I've
> grown tired of giving up what could have been a great paddle, to perform
> the shepherds role to see that some fool who has unwittingly got themselves
> in over their head gets back safely.

The every-man-for-himself was a direct quote from the facilitator. I try not to
put words into peoples mouths, lest Matt get on my case for hampering report with
assumptions, etc.

>
>
> And finally to answer Scott's question.  Yes.  In these waters if you have
> the safety equipment take it with you, wear it and know how to use it.

Seems to me to that much of this comes down to what is reasonable.  And as long
as discussion is earnest while remaining charitable we shouldn't unnecessarily
divide into polarized, argumentative camps that can't foster one of the intents
of this listserver - namely the promotion of paddling safety.

>
>
> PS. The name Fat Boy is a reference to the first nuclear bomb (he's always
> been a time bomb just waiting to go off) and not his weight.  And Doug I
> can always us a fifth.  Single malt is preferred. ;-)
>
> Gordin Warner
> Flame me, torch me, do your worst - I've asbestos underwear.

Not from me (flames that is). I like a paddler who wears his insulative
undergarments!  :-)
Doug L


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