NBC's Saturday Today show interviewed this person today. I wish they had also brought on a knowledgeable person to explain safe kayaking. Could have been a wonderful "teaching moment". Guy claimed after a year he was an experienced kayaker - and he didn't bother to even take a PFD with him. Gives a new meaning to experienced. _http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/metro/20070810-1739-bn10kayak.html_ (http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/metro/20070810-1739-bn10kayak.html) be safe ************************************** Get a sneak peek of the all-new AOL at http://discover.aol.com/memed/aolcom30tour *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
"Around 5 a.m., he reached the rocky shoreline at Point Loma and an officer at the Point Loma Navy Base heard his cries for help. Navy officials didn't know about Bolter's ordeal, so they initially refused his request to come ashore at the beach, which is located in a restricted area. Unable to swim much farther, Bolter implored them again to call for help. Shortly afterward, San Diego lifeguards came in a boat and were able to pluck him from a rock just offshore." Well, at least no rules were broken in the rescue. Goooooo Navy!!!! Jim et al *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
He should have taught them a lesson and died on the beach! -----Original Message----- Navy officials didn't know about Bolter's ordeal, so they initially refused his request to come ashore at the beach, which is located in a restricted area. *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
As one of the posting site's reader comments noted, the kayaker states: 1) He was a former Navy Seaman; 2) He used his survival training from the military; 3) He gave his swimming coach credit for teaching him how to swim; 4) He's 29 and couldn't swim until a year ago. How does a Navy Seaman graduate survival training w/o learning how to 'drown proof swim'? Granted that present day newspaper reporters check their facts less- than-once, and most will wear blinders when going after the more obvious 'survival drama' hook. If the incident is investigated, one doubts that the follow up will garner much print space (if any). Context might also suggest that Naval Seaman and Navy Survival Training do not teach people to swim. They teach them how to float. So he knew how to drown proof himself. He likely did know how to swim, but not how to swim efficiently and effectively in conditions such as the open ocean. So, thanks to the swimming coach, he learned these strokes. The kayaker's comments about how he prepared himself to endure these conditions, how he managed a looming task by breaking it down into smaller, patterned steps, how he 'relaxed, cleared his mind, didn't think about sharks'...as well as his humble approach to recounting events...these are all points summarized by Laurence Gonzales in his book, 'Deep Survival: who lives, who dies, and why". Luck certainly plays into this situation...so many obvious-in-hindsight mistakes: 1) taking a craft into the open ocean that is a: old, b: recently 'repaired' at a critical seal, c: unchecked for sea worthiness; 2) no PFD (would an experienced kayaker call it a 'life jacket' or is that reporter speak?), no signals (think those wine & beer drinkers would have heard a whistle or seen a flare/smoke/strobe?); 3) launching a solo paddle w/o telling anyone of his plans and estimated return time. Humble and contrite as this guy is, these stories begin to amass a like-aggregation of simplistic themes... and far too often, these are reduced to the tried and true plot diagram in a 'Character vs. Inner Self' + "Character vs. Nature" drama. If you have not read Jack London's "To Build a Fire", here's a link: http://www.kingkong.demon.co.uk/gsr/fire.htm Had this guy washed up on shore or been recovered in open water, authorities would reconstruct his demise using the obvious mistakes in judgement as their summary. But we would not have the narration such as London provides. Arrogance can hide in the most humble of post-event responses to a crisis. He was quick and alert in the things of life, but only in the things, and not in the significances. That's London talking. I'm thinking I should talk less and listen more..... Will On Aug 11, 2007, at 9:31 AM, James Farrelly wrote: > "Around 5 a.m., he reached the rocky shoreline at Point Loma and an > officer at the Point Loma Navy Base heard his cries for help. > > Navy officials didn't know about Bolter's ordeal, so they initially > refused his request to come ashore at the beach, which is located in > a restricted area. > > Unable to swim much farther, Bolter implored them again to call for > help. Shortly afterward, San Diego lifeguards came in a boat and were > able to pluck him from a rock just offshore." *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
On Aug 11, 2007, at 12:09 PM, Will Jennings wrote: > 2) no PFD (would an experienced kayaker call it a 'life jacket' or is > that reporter speak?), I have been paddling for 30 years and prefer to call them "life jackets". I really don't like the acronym "PFD". It is typical government bureaucratic gobbledygook. "Personal Floatation Device" doesn't really tell anyone what the thing is. "Life Jacket" seems to me to be a much better. The only reason I can think of to call them a PFD is as jargon to separate those in the know from newbies. A reporter trying to inform the general public about what he was (or wasn't) wearing, is doing the correct thing to call them a life jacket. Nick Schade Guillemot Kayaks 824 Thompson St Glastonbury, CT 06033 USA Ph/Fx: (860) 659-8847 http://www.guillemot-kayaks.com/ *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
Or he could be more colorful and call it a "Mae West". -----Original Message----- On Aug 11, 2007, at 12:09 PM, Will Jennings wrote: > 2) no PFD (would an experienced kayaker call it a 'life jacket' or is > that reporter speak?), A reporter trying to inform the general public about what he was (or wasn't) wearing, is doing the correct thing to call them a life jacket. Nick Schade *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
Wow, haven't that term in while but is it PC to use that term in these enlightened times? Also, could he have swam the distance if did have his Mae West on? -mike > Mark wrote, > Or he could be more colorful and call it a "Mae West". > > -----Original Message----- > > On Aug 11, 2007, at 12:09 PM, Will Jennings wrote: > > >> 2) no PFD (would an experienced kayaker call it a 'life jacket' or is >> that reporter speak?), > > A reporter trying to inform the general public about what he was (or > wasn't) > wearing, is doing > the correct thing to call them a life jacket. > > Nick Schade *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
> On Aug 11, 2007, at 12:09 PM, Will Jennings wrote: > > >> 2) no PFD (would an experienced kayaker call it a 'life jacket' or is >> that reporter speak?), > On Aug 13, 2007, at 1:31 PM, Nick Schade wrote: > I have been paddling for 30 years and prefer to call them "life > jackets". I really don't like the acronym "PFD". It is typical > government bureaucratic gobbledygook. "Personal Floatation Device" > doesn't really tell anyone what the thing is. "Life Jacket" seems > to me to be a much better. > > The only reason I can think of to call them a PFD is as jargon to > separate those in the know from newbies. A reporter trying to > inform the general public about what he was (or wasn't) wearing, is > doing the correct thing to call them a life jacket. Right on. I think (I know) a lot of people who are not into water sports (yet) don't know what the heck a PFD is. I personally think it stinks of marketing-speak and is supposed to imply that it is in some way hi-tech, such as in it's design. As if geniuses spent years using computer models to make a high functioning... life jacket. Paul Montgomery paul_at_paddleandoar.com http://paddleandoar.com *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
I disagree. A 'Life Jacket' or 'Life Vest' is a specific designation for a type of personal flotation device that is designed to keep you floating face up, even you are unconscious. A 'Personal Flotation Device' is not designed to do that. It is a term that has entered the public vernacular and is a remnant of a time when 'life jackets' were bulky, kapok &/or cork (or similar, bulky & buoyant material). A 'jacket' would have flotation material in front, back, and sides. A 'vest' would just have neck and front. A somewhat bulky neck collar and a crotch strap would help secure the garment to its wearer. Again, the idea is that, even unconscious, you would be more likely to be kept afloat, head up and face out of the water. The 'Mae West' used air to achieve the same end while remaining un- bulked until needed....so pilots and others could wear them while performing tasks requiring greater agility than a bulky jacket or vest would allow. Life Vest or Life Jacket implies that the device WILL, in fact, contribute greatly to preserving or saving your life. That's just not true about PFDs. They will help keep you more buoyant. They may also provide some insulation, or allow you to carry signaling and survival gear on your person. But they will not contribute to preserving or saving your life. PFD is NOT "typical government bureaucratic gobbledygook' any more than using GPS is to distinguish that particular device from an 'electric compass'. Their use, application, and functions do overlap in practice and theory...but they ain't the same. Many of the laws and regulations regarding the naming of things such as PFDs do result from regulations and legislation...but before pointing the finger at red-tape bureaucrats, it might be worth noting that MOST of those laws and regulations were initiated at the behest of corporate insurance companies to limit their liability...and NOT as the result of frivolous law suits, either. Maritime Laws evolve, too. I think the reporter of this event went for a singular angle and missed the more significant story. People make mistakes all the time, misjudge, miscalculate, misread, and miss the obvious significance of their actions. These are events, but rule and not the exception...so not much 'new' in that 'news' People overcome extreme trials, adverse conditions, improbable odds. These are dramas and, well, if it bleeds it leads....so it sells air time and print inches. But, again, a formulaic tale at best. If news is meant to inform (and, no, I don't mean 'lecture' or 'drone'), then this reporting fails. It glosses over obvious inconsistencies in the victim's statements, fails to place the event in any larger, social context (how many people in that area take to the water in similar craft, under similar circumstances? Bet more than a handful...), and makes no effort to make even a precursory investigation into the 'sport', the 'craft', or the victim's claims. It's a disservice and one that most kayak related reporting entails. Sea Kayaker and other publications practice a much stronger, substantive, and dispassionate approach to such reporting....much along the same lines as Accidents in North American Mountaineering, or the NTSB's reports of aircraft incidents. I write this long response to suggest that it's in best interest of our larger community that we address these issues...contact the paper in question, suggest ways that story might have been better handled, and suggest ideas for a follow up story about kayak safety....one that get's it right....that distinguishes between a 36-year old, leaky SOT 'kayak' and a well-maintained craft designed for use on large, open ocean waters. -Will On Aug 13, 2007, at 3:31 PM, Nick Schade wrote: > On Aug 11, 2007, at 12:09 PM, Will Jennings wrote: > > >> 2) no PFD (would an experienced kayaker call it a 'life jacket' or is >> that reporter speak?), > > I have been paddling for 30 years and prefer to call them "life > jackets". I really don't like the acronym "PFD". It is typical > government bureaucratic gobbledygook. "Personal Floatation Device" > doesn't really tell anyone what the thing is. "Life Jacket" seems > to me to be a much better. > > The only reason I can think of to call them a PFD is as jargon to > separate those in the know from newbies. A reporter trying to > inform the general public about what he was (or wasn't) wearing, is > doing the correct thing to call them a life jacket. *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
On Aug 13, 2007, at 5:51 PM, Will Jennings wrote: > Life Vest or Life Jacket implies that the device WILL, in fact, > contribute greatly to preserving or saving your life. > That's just not true about PFDs. They will help keep you more > buoyant. They may also provide some insulation, > or allow you to carry signaling and survival gear on your person. > But they will not contribute to preserving or saving your life. I'm sorry, but if one of those things that kayakers often wear does not contribute greatly to saving our lives, why are we saying the subject kayaker "lucks out" when he survived without one on? We don't wear these things because they look cool and are comfortable. I don't think they are either. Wearing one is an extremely effective tool for assisting to keep boaters alive when they end up in the water. We can delve into the semantics of what it means to "contribute greatly", but I think that even a type III "PFD" saves lives. Other categories may have more buoyancy and cause people to float upright when unconscious. But, if you aren't wearing it when you enter the water it isn't worth much, so those with more capabilities in the water that are too uncomfortable to wear while paddling are not going to save many lives either. It is not the reporter's duty to set forth a treatise on the intricacies of different categories of safety equipment every time someone has close call or worse. Yes, it would be a valuable service if they did that, but it is not an obligation. If you think it really should be done, I'm sure the paper would appreciate a well written letter to the editor on the subject. However, I don't think saying a type III PFD does not contribute to preserving life would be in the public interest. Nick Schade Guillemot Kayaks 824 Thompson St Glastonbury, CT 06033 USA Ph/Fx: (860) 659-8847 http://www.guillemot-kayaks.com/ *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
No where in my post do I suggest that the report engage in 'writing a treatise'. That's your hyperbole, not mine. 'Government Bureaucratic Gobbledygook' is your hyperbole, again. You want to grumble and gripe on the list about regulations, hold forth on theories about why and how PFDs acquired their names, or the origins of boating safety rules, Maritime Law, etc., you're certainly entitled. And you'll certainly find an audience of people willing to chime in about how right you are about 'PC' naming and the absurdities of regulatory bureaucracy. But that doesn't make it so, Nick. Any more than this reporter calling this guy an 'experienced kayaker' makes him so. My argument with the reporting of this incident is not about PFDs or LIfe Preservers. It's about a common theme in reporting about kayak-related incidents that has emerged as our sport has become extremely popular and far more diverse in the types of people who take up kayaking. I think it a disservice for a reporter to write about a 'survival' story, which requires the victim to have 'survived' a life threatening situation, without putting the nature of that situation to greater circumspection. Again, I think the larger disservice here is another 'report' about a 'near miss tragedy' that fails to make an accurate and informed account of the incident, its parties, its contributing conditions, and a broader context for the intended audience to engage. When papers report about a proposed increase in property taxes, they include factual numbers and a tangible connection to the impact the increase will have on both the community at large, and the individual property owner. It lacks the drama of a guy who swims alone in the dark sea, sure. But the reporting is far more beneficial and informative, and those who choose to read it will gain something of worth for having made the effort. -Will This from the Canadian Red Cross Boating Safety site: Lifejackets and Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) Lifejackets vs PFDs Lifejackets: A Canadian approved standard lifejacket, when worn properly, is designed to turn an unconscious person from face down to face up in the water, allowing them to breathe. The standard lifejacket is keyhole style and comes in two sizes - one for people who weigh over 40 kg (90 lbs), and one for people who weigh less than 40 kg (90 lbs). Standard lifejackets must be orange, yellow or red, and have a whistle attached. Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs): A Canadian approved PFD is designed to keep you afloat in the water. PFDs were designed for use in recreational boating and are generally smaller, less bulky and more comfortable than lifejackets. They have less flotation than lifejackets, and have limited turning capacity, but are available in a variety of styles and colours Inflatable PFDs An inflatable is a type of personal flotation device that either automatically inflates when immersed in water, or is inflated by the wearer using either an oral or manual inflation device. Most inflatable PFDs use a carbon dioxide cartridge to inflate. Approved inflatable PFDs can be worn if you are 16 years or older and weigh more than 36 kilograms. Things to consider when choosing a flotation device Activities: Consider the water activities that you enjoy. Today there are PFDs specially designed for various activities including pleasure boating, fishing, water skiing, tubing, kayaking, canoeing and rafting. Note that inflatable lifejackets or PFDs are not approved for some uses in Canada. Be sure to choose a PFD that meets your particular needs. Colour: PFD's are available in many bright colours. The Canadian Coast Guard strongly recommends bright colours for better visibility. Size: Sizing is based on chest measurements for adults and weight for children -- read the label for details. Try the lifejacket or PFD on. It should fit snugly, with all the buckles, zippers and snaps done up, but still allow room to breathe and move around freely. Try walking and sitting in it too. Your PFD is too big if you can pull it over your ears, and too small if you cannot fasten all buckles and straps. On Aug 14, 2007, at 9:10 AM, Nick Schade wrote: > On Aug 13, 2007, at 5:51 PM, Will Jennings wrote: >> Life Vest or Life Jacket implies that the device WILL, in fact, >> contribute greatly to preserving or saving your life. >> That's just not true about PFDs. They will help keep you more >> buoyant. They may also provide some insulation, >> or allow you to carry signaling and survival gear on your person. >> But they will not contribute to preserving or saving your life. > > I'm sorry, but if one of those things that kayakers often wear does > not contribute greatly to saving our lives, why are we saying the > subject kayaker "lucks out" when he survived without one on? > > We don't wear these things because they look cool and are > comfortable. I don't think they are either. Wearing one is an > extremely effective tool for assisting to keep boaters alive when > they end up in the water. We can delve into the semantics of what > it means to "contribute greatly", but I think that even a type III > "PFD" saves lives. Other categories may have more buoyancy and > cause people to float upright when unconscious. But, if you aren't > wearing it when you enter the water it isn't worth much, so those > with more capabilities in the water that are too uncomfortable to > wear while paddling are not going to save many lives either. > > It is not the reporter's duty to set forth a treatise on the > intricacies of different categories of safety equipment every time > someone has close call or worse. Yes, it would be a valuable > service if they did that, but it is not an obligation. If you think > it really should be done, I'm sure the paper would appreciate a > well written letter to the editor on the subject. However, I don't > think saying a type III PFD does not contribute to preserving life > would be in the public interest. > > Nick Schade *************************************************************************** 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. 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PFD types: http://www.boatsafe.com/nauticalknowhow/pfdbasics.htm Information from the USCG, to clarify the debate. In short, the regs differentiate among life jacket, buoyant vest, flotation aid, etc. I've worn a heavy, "horse collar" surplus Navy Type II Life Jacket in serious WW, and wear a Flotation Aid while sea kayaking. They have somewhat different purposes; hence, somewhat different names. -- Dave Kruger Astoria, OR *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
SNStone_at_aol.com wrote: > NBC's Saturday Today show interviewed this person today. I wish they had > also brought on a knowledgeable person to explain safe kayaking. Could have been > a wonderful "teaching moment". Hah. If it does not involve BritneyLindsayParisNicoleJessica or some variant thereof, forget any in-depth reporting from TV news ... or maybe that is asking too much from the Today show. OTOH, that guy was one tough dude to swim all night and survive, never mind that he forgot his PFD. For sure, he would not have made it in cold water, PFD or no PFD. -- Dave Kruger Astoria, OR *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
So he only learned to swim a year ago, buys an antique glass bottom kayak and heads out to the middle of the ocean sans PFD on his first paddle. At least he knows when to be ashamed. -----Original Message----- Guy claimed after a year he was an experienced kayaker - and he didn't bother to even take a PFD with him. Gives a new meaning to experienced. *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
>So he only learned to swim a year ago, buys an antique glass bottom kayak >and heads out to the middle of the ocean sans PFD on his first paddle. At >least he knows when to be ashamed. =-- Probably not an antique since it's an SOT. Hobie makes one like this that I've seen around the shore in NJ. He also fits the standard journalist's criterion for 'experience'. He's been doing it for a year and is still alive. Joe P. *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
Joe P. wrote that the sunken kayak was "probably not an antique since it's an SOT." If it's an SOT, it's most likely plastic. And if it's plastic -- and if it's 36 years old, for pete's sake -- it probably would have been better turned into picnic spoons 20 years ago. Plastic doesn't age gracefully. It cracks, it breaks and, apparently, it sinks. Sorta. But it's off to the deep ocean on its first launch. The whole thing sounds bogus. The Darwin Awards were cheated on this one. Give the guy a big Delta Sierra -- for Navy folk. Joq *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
> If it's an SOT, it's most likely plastic. And if it's plastic -- and if > it's 36 years old, for pete's sake -- I believe it was the Paddler who is 36 years old rather than the boat. -- and I don't think SOTs have been around that long anyway... As I mentioned; Hobie currently makes such an SOT with a window. It is of a different kind of plastic and was probably sealed into a pre-molded aperture. The article mentioned the paddler's surmise that this was the source of the leakage. > Plastic doesn't age gracefully. > It cracks, it breaks and, apparently, it sinks. Sorta. There were a coupla Holloform kayaks around here (essentially the first plastic molded kayaks) and they all have literally fallen to pieces -- tiny 1/4-1/2 inch pieces. One on the floor in an old shed looked like the prototype of those mummy/vampire movies where it was all flat and just the outline... >But it's off to the deep ocean on its first launch. The whole thing sounds bogus. ????? Joe P. *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
The article says the boat was built in 1971 making it 36 years old, seven years older than the 29 year old paddler. Now if we could only test and compare each of their IQs! -----Original Message----- Subject: RE: [Paddlewise] kayaker lucks out > If it's an SOT, it's most likely plastic. And if it's plastic -- and if > it's 36 years old, for pete's sake -- I believe it was the Paddler who is 36 years old rather than the boat. -- *************************************************************************** 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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