[Paddlewise] gear vs skills again

   I enjoyed all the discussion of skills versus gear. We certainly have
a variety of mind sets. I'm going to claim that the most important factor
in kayak safety is the ability to read the water and the weather and
anticipate events. I would much prefer to paddle with someone like Dave or
Doug, who have spent lifetimes on the water and internalized amazing  
instincts, than with someone who is a champion kayak racer and has the  
latest immersion
gear and electronics.
   There was a party of four paddlers who were vacationing in Greenland, and
decided to rent kayaks. They had no local guide along. Suddenly an  
overpowering
wind developed and blew one kayaker out to sea. Her boat and body were never
recovered, as far as I know. Several of the party were strong paddlers, but
were unable to save her. She had inadvertently been placed in a situation
where neither paddling skills nor immersion gear were going to save her.
Perhaps an EPIRB might have saved her life. This incident was written up in
Seakayaker Magazine. One wonders whether a local guide with local knowledge
could have made a difference.

-- 
Bradford R. Crain
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