[Paddlewise] Rob G

	First time post to the forum here and I'll try and keep this 
short.  Regarding Rob G's remark's about my recent Open Ocean/Open Kayak 
article in C&K, the incident off the Brook's to which you referred was 
frightening, yes, mostly because of my own mythology, not because of a 
real threat of being blown to Kamchatka, as you put it.  Here's the 
unedited version of what I wrote:
	"While the guys split up to check out landing potential in a couple 
of spots, I paddled out toward the tip of the westernmost point to see 
if I could spot Solander, and get a visual on our position.
	I must have been only a hundred yards from shore and just caught a 
glimpse of Solander . . . when a wall of wind slammed into the boat, 
flipping it up on it^Òs side for a moment and scooting me like a leaf out 
to sea!
	Once the boat flopped down and I got my balance, I dug for all I 
was worth, getting nowhere, losing ground even.  I felt a quick flush of 
panic bolt through me.  I didn^Òt often get panicky on the ocean anymore, 
but I knew this scenario as my deepest edge . . . being swept out to 
sea.  It was an immensely potent fear and even though I was good at 
dealing tactically with challenging conditions, even enjoyed them, it 
was the thought of losing control out here, I realized, that terrified 
me!"
	I've paddled a variety of open kayaks off the BC coast for months 
at a stretch, mostly solo, and know of what I speak.  The Tiger on this 
particular journey was experimental, my baby for the month for the most 
part, and not be a boat I would endorse for long distance ocean 
paddling, but then this was an expeditional narrative, not a how-to 
piece.
	The reality of this particular situation was that I had crossed 
over the edge of my envelope, and knew it.  Paddling is full of edges 
and edges are where we learn and grow.  This is the basis for an 
experiential, organic, common sense approach to kayaking.  Expanding our 
comfort/safety zone incrementally.  Inching out onto big water like a 
wary toddler toward a stranger, ready to run back to the shelter of 
Mama's skirts when we're frightened, then venturing out again a moment 
later when courage returns.  It does not require a PHD in esoteric 
kayaking skills, although it does require a water tight, self-bailing 
boat and insulating clothing to deal with potential immersion.
	Long before we came along with our technical, specialized approach 
to ocean paddling (and life), natives hollowed out a tree, rolled naked 
in nettles and busted out through the surf.  They hung a left or right 
and paddled down coast a ways before tumbling back ashore.  They figured 
it out.  So can we.  If you had lived on the coast several thousand 
years ago, no doubt you would have looked at the water, looked at a 
yellow cedar and a light would have gone on.
	You say experience and skills are everything.  Not the case, not at 
all.  The Cape Scott trip was a shake down for the three young men who 
hoped to intern with a local non-profit here in the islands.  None of 
the three other paddlers on this trip had ocean paddling experience.  
They had paddled, knew water, loved the sea and had their heads screwed 
on tight and straight . . . granted, I was there to coach, but any of 
the three could tackle the out outer coast on their own now, I believe, 
and shine.
	I'm not at all suggesting someone merely grab a SOT and go.  
Learning, experience, research, and collaboration are a big part of a 
safe approach to ocean kayaking.   What I am saying is that ocean 
paddling can be a lot more straight forward than the kayaking industry 
and fraternity would have us believe^×given the right equipment and right 
approach.
	At our camp at the tip of the Brooks I reflected on our progress to 
date:  "People seemed comfortable in their boats and we had paddled some 
pretty lumpy water . . . Preparedness is the great equalizer . . . with 
the right boat and the right dress code, we can parlay a modicum of 
water experience into a learn while you earn, successful, wilderness 
coastal journey.  The one caveat to this bold philosophy is good common 
sense.  Preparedness isn^Òt worth a toad^Òs wart if you aren^Òt emotionally 
grounded and level headed . . . There is no room for lazy, careless, or 
forgetful, let alone stupid on the edge of the open sea."
	As for that surfing shot, that isn't me; you could tell if you'd 
read the caption.  Secondly, the young man, Cedar Charnley, is wearing a 
Kokatat Durasuit and had been comfortably practicing remounts a moment 
earlier; he was nowhere near hypothermic.  As for helmets . . . this 
particular beach was a long sandy one with a small shore break.  We do 
not play in rock gardens and do not wear helmets.
		Self discovery is innate to the human spirit and highly 
underrated these days.

Rob Lyon
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