RE: [Paddlewise] Resuce in the Strait of Juan de Fuca

   I've been extremely lucky over the years in not having a major
kayak disaster. I say lucky because it wasn't skill set that kept
me out of harm's way, but rather things just worked out fortunately.

   My two biggest bone-head moves involved fishing trips, not kayaking.
Twice I have almost lost a car to the water because I didn't park
wisely and was not sufficiently attentive. Once on a surf-fishing
excursion in Florida, I didn't notice the incoming tide slowly ensnaring
my mother's car, which was not parked high enough up the beach. The car
would have been lost to the sea had not a stranger suddenly come by with
vehicle and tow rope.

   On another occasion I parked my VW bug on the bank of a tributary of the
Alsea River and proceeded to fish for trout or salmon. I didn't notice
the bank was crumbling beneath my car until too late. I couldn't drive
the car out. At that moment, a carload of young men came by, and we literally
picked up the VW and put it back on roadway.

   Both incidents occurred miles from anywhere, and both times I was spared
by strangers appearing by magic. It seems that "accidents" can occur on
the water, or on dry land. You can't be too vigilant.

Brad

Quoting Doug Lloyd <douglloyd_at_shaw.ca>:

> Craig,
>
> As we all know, there's a lot that comes into play for the active sea
> kayaker. I know a few beginners who I feel are at risk given their lack of
> knowledge regarding tides, currents, etc. They don't have great equipment
> either (like proper flotation, etc.). That's a concern. At least if they
> have one of those aspects dialled in, I'd be less worried.
>
> Then there's the intermediate paddlers I know. The ones who combine good
> judgement with good equipment and have taken the time to educate themselves
> and seek knowledgeable companions - they are pretty safe off, even safer
> than more experienced paddlers perhaps if the type less prone to seeking
> solo "adventures". SK Mag has had a number of stories recently, including
> the last issue, detailing highly experienced paddlers getting into deep
> trouble. Yeah, some of your comments are cogent Craig on this aspect as I've
> read what you write closely over the years, here and elsewhere - including
> your analogies with professional mariners and flying. It does seem there's a
> familiarity that negates safety. It can be on a number of fronts, including
> nav, equipment, conditions, self-evaluation, etc.
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