RE: [Paddlewise] Pfds

Scott,

The debate over wearing a PFD or not isn't a question of yes or no. The
majority of us want the freedom and right to be able to wear one at the
moment or not (where I live, one has to have an approved lifejacket at arms
length at the very least). The debate should be more about the bigger
question of active paddlers in a dynamic environment wearing a PFD whenever
possible as a best practice decision. I've made my mind up about that and so
have many others, not to mention the authorities. But part of an informed
decision is knowing that in and of itself the act of wearing a PFD doesn't
necessarily make you a safer paddler, to which you have championed the
anti-dogma stance for some time, and that I do applaud.

Scott said: 


   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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