Re: [Paddlewise] The Dark Side of Extreme Adventure

Rich posted (condensed):
>>I'm not sure I'd call that an "accusation", because IMHO that's
judgemental. Maybe they *do* love their pastime more than their family. But
if so -- that's their choice.  And there's nothing wrong with it, provided
all parties are aware of it and satisfied with the situation.

Interestingly enough, Maria contends that two partners sharing a life
together where one of the partners participates in a high-risk activity
indeed, isn't a bad situation if both are satisfied with the situation. She
did however, mention *parents and children* of these individuals as having,
often, no say in the matter.

I for one find cycling to work far more dangerous than storm paddling, or
even storm paddling (gales or whatever) at night. Even the guy that heads up
the cycling coalition got run over a few weeks ago. Now, when I think back
to my youthful days sea kayaking, heading out into bad conditions with
little backup gear, little actual in-rough-water rescue experience, and
little overall awareness of the supreme consequences - now that was worse
than hubris, and it is just plain luck that some of us survive these
youthful escapades.

I for one will probably give up any more extreme night paddling, though I'd
like to stay within some reasonable bounds as you really do develop some
interesting instincts and abilities applying yourself to these situations,
and it does make you safer as a paddler in case you ever get caught out at
night or need to complete a long crossing involving night-time activities --
as the dark side of the dark side does have a good side.

And it is interesting how some of these extreme climbers do keep coming back
year after year after year after year.

Doug Lloyd
Victoria BC
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