Re: [Paddlewise] SPOT anxiety

Bob Myers wrote:
>>> No, I don't have a lot of sympathy for people who are too cheap to
>>> pay up.  Sure, there are other reasons SPOT can fail, and I can
>>> understand issues there, but your "free alternatives" comment does
>>> bug me.

>> Whew! That's pretty hefty rhetoric. People who don't buy SPOT and pay
>> their $100 to $150 a year are "too cheap to pay up"? SPOT may be a
>> great fit for some people but not a good fit at all for others. Why
>> should everyone have to pay?
> 
> They're too cheap if they don't buy it because they're not willing to 
> spend the money but they still expect people to come find them, wherever
> they might be, if they go missing.  Not only can the user send an OK
> message, but in case of emergency it gives the location within feet - a
> major issue for the "search" part of search and rescue.  (And let me say
> that I'm not tied to this product - a PLB or EPIRB has different but
> similar functionality, without the annual subscription fee.)
> 
> If they don't feel it's a good fit for them , I don't have a problem 
> with that, but yes, I do think it's irresponsible if there's a device 
> like this available that can help and they don't make use of it because
> they aren't willing to spend $100/year.

Bob, I usually ignore the polemics inflamed by this sort of rhetoric, but 
this one has gone on long enough.  What is wrong or broken with what we 
have now?  You have not dealt with that.  As to "too cheap," anybody who 
has invested in a VHF and the various other rescue gear items a 
conscientious paddler needs might well balk at a new device which does not 
add significant functionality for those of us who paddle 
_within_hailing_distance_ of a USCG or CCG VHF receiving antenna.

Repeat, _within_hailing_distance_ of a USCG or CCG VHF receiving antenna.

It is not reasonable to insist on a "one way" (or two, if you count 
EPIRBs/PLBs) approach and then to paint paddlers who prefer and have used 
successfully existing methods (and have spent good money already gearing up 
for it) as "too cheap."  I've initiated one search, and prevented a couple 
of others through appropriate use of my VHF.  I suspect I'm getting good 
use of my VHF, and it sure was not cheap when I bought it.  Nor was the 
license (mandated in those days).

I think most paddlers who contemplate trips to localities which do not have 
good service to VHF receiving antennas will spring for a SPOT.  I know I 
would, and the fact that I do not need one for what I currently do does not 
make me "too cheap."  That language is a cheap shot on your part. [grin]

The point is that for 90% of paddlers, the existing VHF net is plenty 
serviceable and does a good job.  And, I agree, if that net is not going to 
do the job, SPOT or something similar is a wise choice.

-- 
Dave Kruger
Astoria, OR
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