Would it not be nice to die in the manner you prefer rather than in the manner some one else prefers for you. Cheers John Winters *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
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. *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
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/ ***************************************************************************
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