In a message dated 1/2/2010 5:24:48 P.M. Pacific Standard Time, kiayker_at_sbcglobal.net writes: Other then that, I pretty much never wear one. That a pfd should be worn "at all times" while sea kayaking is, I believe, an old wives tale that the sport will eventually outgrow. I believe that the likelihood of cold shock if capsizing in colder areas, vs a warm bath in warmer climes, makes this an "apples and oranges" discussion. Calm seas and warm water equals a bath, if you wet exit. Cold water and/ or high boat traffic makes wearing a PFD an immediate life and death issue. Correct cold weather gear such as a drysuit gives you more time but cold shock is still a potential issue. If you just have a heart attack and die in your kayak, the PFD doesn't matter. Skill comes in as an issue when someone who feels confident decides that not wearing the PFD, for whatever reason, is a reasonable and rational decision. It's hard to second guess them unless they die. It's when NOT wearing the PFD is a matter of laziness, lack of thought, poor decision making and lack of knowledge that the laws could make a difference. If the person even knows that there is a law. Pam in Washington State "Going out is optional, coming back is mandatory". *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
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