Re: [Paddlewise] SV: Kayaker Nearly Dies

Mike said (snip):
>>It's good to see Lenze, Niels and hopefully many others taking this
discussion in the manner that
Duane and the Steves, Brown and Holtzman, tried to provoke.<<

Well Mike, we've had lots of discussion in the past on this, historically,
on Paddlewise. Doug Alderson and Mike Pardy from Vancouver Island have a
newer book out which gives center focus to some of these issues.

I've heard Wayne Horowitch give a couple of symposium discourses on the
subject matter; I did like his presentation in one respect, in that he got a
good discussion going amongst the participants. There's many facets to the
subject and different groups bounce the light off differing surfaces
differently. For new paddlers, these exercises are particularly useful. Many
paddlers are too lazy and cheap to pick up a book like Deep Trouble,
unfortunately.

>>Just because you have never had an emergency does not mean you won't.  And
it is nice to paddle with people you know can perform a tee rescue in just
one minute or immediately extricate a swimmer from a boiling rock garden.<<

And its nice to be able to extricate yourself solo, from above said
scenarios, though preferably having the soft and hard skills to prevent
problems in the first place.

I did understand where Duane was coming from with his comments initially on
this thread. I know for me, my biggest concerns paddling are what to wear
first thing paddling when you know the sun will be blazing in an hour or
when to crap (first thing or later in the morning out near some exposed
landing). You get the picture. A competent paddler has a lot less "real"
things to worry about, and often paddles troubled waters just to have fun.
Safety is so relative, and not just a matter related to perceptual issues.

One question that IS difficult to answer, is what do you say to the
obviously visible paddler(s) who you see heading off ill prepared,
unknowlegable, or unskilled for the possible conditions. The editor at Sea
Kayaker magazine asks fellow paddlers this thought-provoking question in the
recent issue. I take the affirmative action policy myself, but know the cool
recoil of an offended newbie too. As to why new paddlers get into trouble in
the first place, the answer is perhaps in the media culture of today, the
profit-over-prudence habits of rental outfitters, and the proliferation of
unseaworthy craft.

As for the older, avid paddler who recently died off the California coast,
he is rather a symptom than an embarrassment. But I'll tell you what I tell
my wife: I'd rather die with my boots on (wet suit booties, that is). Of
course, this fellow wasn't exactly prepared for combat, or even a mild
skirmish. His crossing was actually in crossing the line.

Doug Lloyd
Victoria BC
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