Re: [Paddlewise] Kids and PFDs - Risks

From: kiayker <kiayker_at_sbcglobal.net>
Date: Thu, 19 Oct 2006 18:52:30 -0700
>>Does the person who goes out kayaking with nothing
more than a paddle and a pair of shorts and a cotton
t-shirt have a techno-phoboa or are they just plain
foolish?

   I think one of the attractions of kayaking, at least for me, is it's
simplicity. I guess you could call it a "techno-phobia" it you wanted to,
although I would never call it that. I grew up preferring body surfing to
board surfing. I also shoot a recurve bow and black powder. I like camping
over staying in a hotel. And when the conditions permit I enjoy paddling
with little more then a paddle and a bathing suit. I guess I just lean more
towards the more basic things in life. But that's just me. Someone who goes
out in a cotton t-shirt is probably an accident looking for a place to
happen, because they obviously don't know what they're doing.

>>What is the impact of technologies such as "breathable
fabrics" like Tropos and Gortex?  One could argue that
these fabrics have made risky behaviour safer.  One
could also argue that they have made it safer to go
places that one has no business being to begin with.
Thoughts?

   I could certainly argue that they have made things more expensive! Have
these materials made risky behavior safer? I don't think so. The risk is the
same, although the comfort level may be a bit improved. Besides, I don't
believe there are any places where we have no business being. Some
destinations are just a bit more challenging then others. Heck, if it were
easy then everybody would do it :-)

Scott
So.Cal.
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Received on Thu Oct 19 2006 - 18:41:57 PDT

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