Scott said (snip): >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." Count me in on that one Scott. You spend a lot of time in the surf zone. Time eventually equates to expertise. If you were paddling a still water kayak and headed out into big surf, I might have something to say. :-) I remember swimming without my kayak once in the surf zone at a river discharge. Seemed like I was getting cold fast, even in my drysuit (light layer underneath). Even swimming parallel to the shore wasn't enough to counteract the current discharge drawing me offshore. I think I remember feeling very stupid, if not desperate. I eventually reached a point where I knew I have to sacrifice a bit more heat by ferry-glide swimming, rather than staying parallel. It obviously worked. I find surf zone kayaking to follow slightly (okay, a lot) different accepted safety practices than regular coastal touring. I generally don't paddle surf-specific spots without a buddy or the presence of other board surfers (who may or may not offer assistance). I prefer my river kayak in seas over 6 feet (overhead height). Well, unless you want to die young and leave behind a good looking corpse, try to stay in your boat. :-) Doug (aka Mr. Lloyd) *************************************************************************** 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 Fri Mar 16 2007 - 19:32:42 PDT
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