Re: [Paddlewise] Pfds

   As Doug says, we have all been through this before. But I would like 
to clarify a few things - one more time - and then I'm done with this. I 
have NEVER tried to talk anybody out of wearing a pfd. I really don't 
care what your reasons are for wearing one. If you want to wear it, then 
wear it! I think most sea kayakers should wear one most of the time, and 
I wear mine too, when it suits me - but I firmly believe that I have the 
right to choose when that is. I do not believe that any of you should 
have the right to tell me that I MUST wear my pfd. I also do not believe 
that you should be able to tell me that I am not invited to paddle with 
you unless I wear my pfd. For what it's worth, if you are that narrow 
minded then I really don't want to be on the water with you in the first 
place, so I guess it all works out in the end. Doug made some comment 
about winning the argument - is that what this is about - really? OK 
then, I concede! You win! You can print that, mount it on a plaque and 
hang it on your wall if that's what makes you happy.

   I believe several people on this list have subtly implied that I am 
an idiot waiting to die. For the record, I have been sea kayaking for 
over thirty years. I have been teaching kayaking, I guess you could say 
professionally since I am paid for it, for more then twenty years. I 
have done trips on the open ocean in Canada, Baja California, and all 
parts in between. I love the surf, and enjoy playing in rock gardens, 
and am not afraid of a challenge. And while I have done countless self 
rescues, in all my years on the water I have NEVER needed the assistance 
of another person - in any way shape or form. How many of you can say 
that? You may argue that I must be too conservative of a paddler, 
although the people I do paddle with might dispute that. I like to think 
that I am an intelligent paddler who has the skills and knowledge of the 
ocean to back it up. I do not consider the need to be rescued on the 
water to be some kind of badge of honor - in my book, those are the real 
idiots here.

Scott
So.Cal.
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