Re: [Paddlewise] capsized

Doug said (snip):

" But some of these instructors don't even no trms like piercing ."

Well, I'm no instructor, I'm not even an expert.  I have an idea that you 
may not be using the term piercing quite the way it has come to be used in 
our modern culture.  I'm pretty sure you are not referring to; the practice 
of poking holes in body parts then plugging said holes with various objects 
such as bits of glass, scrap metal, or shinny sparkly things designed to 
solicit a specific response or to make a statement.

But I could be wrong. Please explain.

As a foot note, does someone have more information about this incident.  I 
read the account in the Salem News, but no where is there any factual 
information that leads me to conclude that this gentleman was worthy of the 
scorn that's being heaped on him. There was no reference to the equipment he 
was carrying or the skill set he had. Did he have a PFD? Did he have 
immersion gear, a spray deck, signal device, flares etc.  Either he was one 
large guy able to suffer the cold water during the time it took for the 
rescue boat to arrive or else he was wearing some sort of protective gear. 
Or maybe he was just lucky? Does anyone know?

Could he have been a skilled paddler that suffered some sort of 
disabilitating accident?  Was he in in a sea kayak, a surf boat, or one of 
those recretional death traps sold at discount stores?

Wouldn't it be great if someone from the kayaking industry took the time to 
teach editors something about kayaking so that when they send reporters out 
to cover these stories they have some basic knowledge and can subsequently 
ask some penitrating questions. If I read one more story such as, " Cindy 
Lou Who was an expert kayaker who had paddled on guided three day trips the 
last three summers."   Ohhh! Nine days - why that just about makes her a 
Phd.

I hope someone has more information on this incident.

Gordin Warner 
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