In a message dated 10/17/2006 5:08:31 AM Pacific Standard Time, paul_at_paddleandoar.com writes: The funny thing about this thread is that almost everyone says that they personally always wear a PFD but they don't want to be TOLD to wear a PFD. This seems to be a common American attitude, but it also sounds like a spoiled child's tantrum. No, it's not my nationality, rather, it's my ability to discriminate when my needs will be met with a PFD, or not. I'd rather not be dummed down by people who cannot. As far as analogies, automobiles and fishing boats make bad ones so lets stick to kayaking and PFD use, it makes the arguments for or against so much more relevant. Whenenever someone brings up a story about a fisherman falling over the side my eyes glaze over. What does that have to do with kayaking? Do you want all kayakers to be lumped together with fishermen? Do you want the authorities to lump together kayakers and fishermen when they decide for you? When I paddled a tropical environment I rationalized that my PFD was more likely to contribute to heat stroke than it would be there for me in the event of a failed roll, failed reentry and roll, failed group cohesion making an assisted recovery possible. We did not want inflatables as the cartridges cannot be flown and are 20-25 dollars to replace. Besides, you have to be conscious to inflate an air vest. Rather than relying on dogma or the Nannystate, I used my brain, made a decision and enjoyed my trip. By the way, what PFD's are these folks wearing? (scroll down) _http://www.surfskiworldcup.com/_ (http://www.surfskiworldcup.com/) All the best, Rob G *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************Received on Wed Oct 18 2006 - 08:19:21 PDT
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