Re: [Paddlewise] PFDs

    I try to wear my PFD at all times because it makes body recovery easier,
   which might be appreciated by the members of SAR and some of the
   friends and relatives. In general, your best piece of safety equipment
   is your brain...don't leave home without it.

   Brad Crain (still trying to learn how to use my brain)


> Craig Jungers wrote about using our PFDs at all times
>
>
> I agree with his perspective and the rest of my opinion is on the CASKA
> blog he mentions.  But the bottom line(s) can be repeated so the reader
> doesn't have to wade through the whole blog.
>
> 1.  Lifejackets float you face down if you're not conscious.  So how is
> that a safety thing for those of us who usually paddle alone?
>
> 2.  When I swim for fun, body surfing and playing in whitewater as a
> swimmer, I never use a lifejacket.  No one at the beach ever wears a
> lifejacket. If paddling conditions are benign, what does the lifejacket
> do for me?
>
> 3.  I have never been saved by my lifejacket.  I don't know how many
> days I've paddled a kayak in my life, but it is well over 6000, many of
> those in serious whitewater.
>
> 4.  I would never, ever, paddle without a sprayskirt.  That is my best
> piece of safety equipment.  On days where I have forgot to throw mine in
> the car, I find I can't get out of my habit of edging all my turns and
> really regretting not having the skirt.
>
> 5.  I know this is a bit heretical - I think the way to be safe is
> practice your paddling skills like crazy.  And wear your lifejacket when
> your skills might not be up to the task.  (Or when other paddlers are
> looking, so you don't have to spend too much time explaining yourself.)
> But the lifejacket doesn't make you a better paddler.
>
> jim Tibensky
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