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 *************************************************************************** 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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