Re: [Paddlewise] Danish dragon boat, some answers

From: Nick Schade <nick_at_guillemot-kayaks.com>
Date: Tue, 22 Feb 2011 18:01:31 -0500
On Feb 22, 2011, at 3:35 PM, Jackie Myers wrote:

> Tony Ford wrote:
> 
>> Hello
>> I used to be involved in investigating kayak accidents with the British Army and although not involved in such for 20 years now, am still interested in investigations and reports and findings.   One of the saddest things was the blind trust placed by novices in their instructors and leaders.    
> 
> What's is further sad is the blind trust that uninformed and untrained "leaders" put in *themselves* that cause them to think they can lead a novice group in such conditions or where there is the risk of such conditions.  Sometimes, lack of critical thinking seems rampant out there.


It should also remind us how we put a lot of faith in our own abilities to keep us safe each time we go out. I don't think I am alone in realizing that I have taken severe risks in my boating career without realizing it. It is often only after taking one of these risks that we have enough experience to know that it was a bad idea to begin with.

The difference between this tragedy and a worthy adventure is razor thin. It is sad that one instructor sacrificed his life in this experience and several of his charges may suffer after effects for years, but none of us are in a position to cast the first stone.
Nick


Nick Schade

Guillemot Kayaks
54 South Rd
Groton, CT 06340
USA
Ph/Fx: (860) 659-8847
http://www.guillemot-kayaks.com/
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Received on Tue Feb 22 2011 - 15:01:49 PST

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