Re: [Paddlewise] Missing kayaker found

Again, one of the central themes in many of these stories is pre-trip  
preparation (or lack thereof)
that is based upon faulty assumptions, or discounting  
conditions...."I'm only going a little away from shore
and only for a couple of hours," "surface conditions appear calm and  
protected, so I'll be fine."

A lot of men drown while fishing from boats because they drink, get a  
little drunk,
stand up and unzip to piss over the gunwale and, well, ker-plunk.  No  
pfd, cotton clothing,
and very cold water.  It's common enough that SAR crews find these  
guys and can identify them by their lowered zippers
and an autopsy that confirms a raised BAC.

Spring draws a lot of people out on the water.
Nature is indifferent to our skills or preparation.

People give me really funny looks when I show up to paddle on the  
local, flat water reservoir/lake....
too much gear...who does he think he is...what a goof.

Fine by me. I find the routine of making sure I have certain items  
with me or on me,
regardless of the circumstances, makes it easier to meet what I would  
consider minimum standards of prudent prep.
Always setting up this way was a tip from a very experienced teacher I  
met in a five day skills class.
His point was that every paddle was an opportunity to practice, learn,  
and extend our capabilities...
even the local pond.

When these reports come back about casualties from 'the local pond',  
I'm just reminded
about the value of this teacher's advice.
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