Re: [Paddlewise] Sponsons Permission/Assistance

From: Rich Kulawiec <rsk_at_rockandwater.net>
Date: Thu, 31 Oct 2002 12:39:27 -0500
On Thu, Oct 31, 2002 at 02:20:26PM +0000, James wrote:
> Rich Kulawiec - you gave a good list of what makes a whitewater paddler
> safe, and your comments about sponsons fit my own view.  But, especially
> in whitewater paddling, I believe the most important safety feature is
> having a companion.  [...]

You're absolutely right, and I was wrong to omit this.  Having a
companion, or multiple companions, can make a team that is safer than
any of its individuals acting alone.  Everything from scouting
rapids to choosing the best lines to trivial/complex rescues gets
easier when a team of paddlers works together.  (I know this first-hand:
it is only thanks to the knowledge, skill, and self-sacrificing courage of
my companions that I came back from a trip on the Gauley a few years back.)
We lead, we follow, we teach, we learn, we cooperate, we support.

And we are stronger together than we are alone.

---Rsk
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Received on Thu Oct 31 2002 - 09:40:10 PST

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