Re: [Paddlewise] A swift kick for the clueless

One word leaps to mind:  Evolution

or maybe the Charles Darwin Award

(OK, that was more than one word)

Brad (who has few clues but goes out anyway)


Subject: [Paddlewise] A swift kick for the clueless


> --- On Mon, 4/13/09, Craig Jungers <crjungers_at_gmail.com> wrote:

>> > Of course the bottom line here is that if you are not
>> confident in your
>> > abilities to handle the conditions then you shouldn't
>> be out in them.
>> >
>> > Then there are those who are confident in their
>> abilities to handle the
>> conditions but shouldn't be out in them anyway. :)
>
>
> Ahh, but what is worse - the people who are out without a clue or the 
> people who HAVE a clue but do it anyway?
>
> On Friday, I was out kayaking and came across a canoe containing two 
> people.  They were wearing blue jeans and winter jackets.  They were using 
> their life jackets as seat cushions.  The stern paddling/steering 
> technique was that of paddling on one side or the other as required.
>
> When last I checked, the water temperatures were only a couple of degrees 
> above the freezing mark.  We had snow here only a week ago.  What 
> previsions did these people take to account for the cold conditions? 
> Probably none.  Their only saving grace was that they were paddling in a 
> relatively calm and narrow channel.  That said, I don't know how they got 
> there and a successful swim across the main harbour is unlikely with this 
> clothing and these water temperatures.
>
> These people had no business doing what they were doing.  If I'd said or 
> done anything, they'd probably look at ME like *I* was the fool.  *sigh* 
> I just paddled by and ignored them.  Thoughts?
>
> Derek
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