RE: [Paddlewise] PFDs

Dave/Scott:

Fellows,

We've been down this road before; gear, more gear, and "more better" gear
doesn't make you a safer paddler. Taking/donning that gear doesn't invoke a
paddler to take more risk if that paddler has full comprehension of the
chosen ocean-zone dynamics. An advanced/experienced paddler will make a
strategic determination of the level of risk about to be undertaken, then
typically, the option to take your best gear is a no brainer. For me, having
all my gear with me allows me to take on more challenging conditions without
worrying I should have brought more gear or had it handy should conditions
deteriorate unexpectedly - which it can do (even in the warm Gulf waters as
we have witnessed in a safety article in SK awhile back). When I first
started paddling I was doing winter storms, open coast, solo, with far less
gear than now - even horribly inferior British gear and dismally performing
equipment. That did not inhibit me from taking on greater risk and certainly
did not make me more or less safe. Reasonable hypothermia protection, a good
boat, strong paddle and well fitting spray skirt, plus an understanding of
my skill limits and/or abilities in extremis were the main criterion for a
successful sortie in such inhospitable conditions. 

Yes, a novice can certainly be under the impression that more and better
gear can make him or her safer - we've all heard of new paddlers under the
illusion that a paddlefloat adds a high level of security to their outing -
which it doesn't, really.

I admit that solo rock garden work in big swell in a remote location causes
considerable consternation for myself - yeah, I'd be better to opt not to go
in or only do so with a well-trained team with quick deployable tow systems,
but that is too much of a logistical issue for me and limits my freedom on
an open water tour. I worry in that the ideal - no PFD combined with minimal
buoyancy hypothermyia protection garments - would be way safer if I need to
dive under waves if I wet-exited and need to swim out. Though I did once
wash out past a headland (boat in tow, off bow-painter line) and got into a
strong current that was boisterous and made breathing-re-entry difficult. I
used to wear a Mustang harness PFD with the C02 release for this purpose,
but have settled down enough that a regular River shorty buoyancy aid is
reasonably acceptable and I can carry more gear in a more efficient manner
with a good conforms-to-the-norm PFD. Beside, I've taken to the notion of
just staying in my kayak now - so much easier than coming out of your boat.
:-)

Without meaning to discredit anyone or disapprove of the various opinions
expressed about the wearing PFD question, I do find the bandwidth gets a
little adolescent at times if we are not careful, which indicates more to me
about the paddler's somewhat limited breadth of experience and openness to
risk-taking as a way of life, than one might attribute.

And I will say that offshore, in cold/high wind, "big" water up to your
neck...well, give me my PFD or give me death. Yes, give me liberty (to chose
to wear it) or give me death, but I choose life. I choose my life jacket. My
Life jacket chooses me...or at least calls out my name from the back
deck..."Douggie, oh DOUGGIE, put me on old boy...!" 

Doug Lloyd 

 
Scott Hilliard wrote:

Doug Lloyd writes:
 > > When it's on, I'm on, if ya know what I mean.

> The implication I get from this statement is that when Doug is wearing 
> his pfd he is prepared to take greater risks. Is that right, Doug?

Nah.  It just means he has his mojo working.  Doug is battle ready when he
is clad in polyurethane shielding. [grin]

Bradford R. Crain wrote:
 > > 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.

> Since this is of such a concern to you I can therefore assume that your 
> boat and all of your paddling apparel is colored high visibility orange?

Oh, boy!  Bradford only contributes with tongue in cheek.  I wonder how he 
is able to chew his food ... tonguey being there always.

-- 
Dave Kruger
Astoria, OR
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