Re: [Paddlewise] PFDs

As Kruger says, Bradford keeps his tongue firmly planted in his cheek at all
times. Don't turn his words against him.

I can see two very valid points FOR wearing a PFD:

1. Gear Caddy. Without a PFD your VHF will stay with the boat; wheverever it
goes. No good place to tie a knfie, compass, watch (don't think a watch is
useful in a kayak? Hmmm.), etc. My drysuit has no pockets.

2. Empathy for the risks the others will be taking should you get into
trouble.

But for every point for there is a counterpoint. I doubt if anyone has
really changed their minds here but it's certainly been interesting.

I will continue, almost certainly, to carry - but probably not wear - a PFD
when paddling in the summer here on my lake when paddling solo (which is
almost always). I need no equipment (no one around here knows what a VHF is
for anyway except maybe weather reports) and I'm close to shore almost
always. But I do know when wearing one is smart.

My regular paddling pal Pam has a rule about gearing up the same way every
time so that she keeps to a routine. I laughed at her in her gear on Lake
Washington with the weather in the 80s and the water in the 70s but
still.... it's a valid point.

Doug's point is, to me, one of the best. He feels ready when he's geared up.
There is a lot of psychology in high risk sports and it can be important to
feel ready.

Really, for so many years we had either no knowledge of gear or no proper
gear was available. I paddled in jeans, wool shirts and hiking boots. PFDs
were uncomfortable, bulky, and of questionable merit. The only drysuits were
for divers (and when I began paddling no drysuits at all). Now that we have
so much technology in our favor (comfort, safety, etc.) I'd like to take
advantage of  at least some of it.


Craig Jungers
Moses Lake, WA
www.nwkayaking.net
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