Re: [Paddlewise] Dying at sea

Doug writes:

>>As has come up on this list numerous times, Scott likes to be the voice
that
offsets anyone promoting safety gear as a panacea.

   Someone needs to add a little "balance" to this list and I'm just
masochistic enough to attempt it.

   On another note, I actually had what I would call a "near death"
experience while playing in some pretty huge surf over the holidays. I found
myself in the water for over an hour in a state of utter despair. I have
always believed that I would die in the ocean, and so I figured this was it.
There was a part of me that was OK with it. Dying in my ocean, doing what I
love is not such a bad way to go out - I can live with that :-) I'm not
afraid of death - what I am afraid of is dying a mundane death. Going
peacefully in bed surrounded by my family is not for me. I came into this
world kicking and screaming and I intend to go out the same way.
   One of the thoughts that went through my head while I was waiting for the
end was how some people on this list would have a hay day with my death,
pointing out all the "mistakes" I made. Well, as it turns out this was not
my day to die, so I have something I would like to get off my chest just to
set the record straight in the event the next time I'm not so lucky. I know
exactly what I'm doing. I understand the risks I take and the potential
consequences. I am also well aware of the steps available to decrease the
risks, including not going out kayaking at all. We all take risks in
everything we do. I have a great deal of faith in my abilities as a paddler
and I am prone to test them, I think not so much unlike what Mr. Lloyd does.
I can think of a whole lot of activities that I consider far more dangerous
than my style of paddling. Sometimes people die doing those things as well -
stuff happens. I do not have a death wish, and I do not consider what I do
as any dumber or irresponsible then what any of the rest of you are doing,
although I am certain there are a number of people who would love to argue
that.

   I no longer think I am going to die in the water. The ocean had it's
chance (it's second one actually, there was also a body surfing incident
back in the 70's), but I survived. However, if I'm wrong, and one day news
of my demise pops up on this list then I hope at least someone will stand up
and say, "hey, he knew what he was doing."

Scott
So.Cal.
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