Re: [Paddlewise] Safety Articles

> Doug Lloyd wrote:
>> Hey kayakers,
>>
>> Do folks prefer _short, concise_ safety articles outlining an incident 
>> (either first or second hand) followed by a writer's economy of 
>> commentary, or more in-depth, "turn over every stone" analysis (provided 
>> it is strictly content related, of course)?
>
> Definitely the former.
>
> Sea Kayaker has had some doozies recently, particularly the guy who tried 
> to paddle across one of the Great lakes without adequate prior 
> preparation.
>
> The Howe Sound incident must be forthcoming, I would expect.  That will be 
> interesting.
>
> -- 
> Dave Kruger
> Astoria, OR

Dead in the water I think Dave, now, along with my last work in progress 
too, which was on the Bay of Fundy incident. I spent a lot of money and time 
on the Bay of Fundy incident getting the exact weather details, CCG reports, 
long distance calls, then Explore Magazine nails the article so what was the 
point. I dug into the Howe Sound incident too - immediately; got the CCG 
stuff, spent long conversations with EC and the actual forecaster that day 
verifying, wave height and wind strengths too (too much exaggerating in the 
media). Then I just stopped. A few of my calls to principal parties were not 
returned. I figured something was afoot. And sure enough, what I though 
would happen, did. David Leach jumped all over that story. He's got way 
better pull and connections - and he teaches or taught non fiction writing. 
So, grab an issue of May's Explore Magazine. Good article. I don't agree 
with all the reported conditions. No problem. Story makes for an interesting 
read. Lots of bodies to keep track off. I also would have concentrated more 
on coping strategies, what paddlers should do when things do go wrong, and 
such. The CCG SAR coordinator had hoped that discussion would have been 
dealt with more.

Many of David's other observations and editorial direction matched my notes 
almost exactly, so I take that as a complement. David has also written an 
entire book on the Fundy Multisport Race death, called "Fatal Tide." Just 
came out.

Truth be known, I'd rather write about real sea kayakers in the context of 
touring incidents, as then I'm writing from a base of knowledge and 
experience and more importantly, passion. I'm glad I halted the Howe Sound 
article. Ever been in a talent show then followed immediately by someone so 
talented that that's the only performance anyone remembers - the other 
guy's? Not that I'd write for glory. Sea kayaking is all about friends, 
community, supporting good people like Sea Kayaker Magazine, trying to make 
a difference, and contributing something in life that allies itself with 
your own interests. The latter is selfish, I confess.But I should have 
finished the Nootka Island double tragedy and/or my Brooks solo death rather 
than get lost chasing elite athletes across swollen seas. At least I'll get 
the Brooks one done soon.

Thanks for chiming in.

Doug 
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