Re: [Paddlewise] waves in california

I try not to get involved in these back and forth debates. One never knows what happens, so trying to determine what risk factors exist isn't important. What I believe Melissa is saying is why take the chance of putting an uncontrolled missile, in the middle of what already seems to be a dangerous situation, that could strike and injure, paralyze or kill others. Just because there are a bunch of nutty surfers out on the Wedge who may be taking dangerous risks, doesn't mean everyone with a kayak should be just as irresponsible and make the situation even more dangerous.

You have a choice to be responsible or to be selfish. Sometimes we need to make sacrifices, and we all know the surfers won't budge.....

It is an individual decision, but the decision also could have consequences. I always would err with caution and safety considerations of others. And I would never go out in a Wedge even if the beach was empty!!!!!! 



On Sep 6, 2011, at 9:43 AM, Nick Schade wrote:

> Watching video of the Wedge (which BTW looks absolutely brutal) I've seen several occasions where surfers are running into each other. 180 pound bodies dropping 10' down out of the curl on top of someone appears fairly common place. And collision avoidance appears to be part of the requisite skill set. The wave is a shore break with surfers risking getting dumped head first into the sand. Bodies and boards get tossed around like plastic soldiers in the hands of a 12 year old. Nothing about the place suggests a shred of "safe" is involved in the activity.
> 
> So, I'm looking at the risk factors involved in playing in this spot and it seems to me that a 30# surfski tumbling through the mix does not appreciably change the risks. Sure, it is a potential danger, but it is kind of like juggling torches during a forest fire.
> 
> If Mr. Sprout had been a second or so slower he and his boat would have been munched, and the various pieces of his ski would have been spit out. There may have been a few more bruises and contusions as a result, but they happen all the time anyway, so I'm not sure how it would be different than any other day.
> 
> On Sep 6, 2011, at 12:16 AM, Melissa Reese wrote:
> 
>> I concur. Just because someone has the skills to do something (as long
>> as all goes well - never a guarantee), if the enhanced potential to
>> hurt other people exists (as it always will on a day like that at the
>> Wedge - especially with a 20' potential projectile), thinking of
>> others should trump fun/ego/bravado/whatever; regardless of one's
>> prowess and credentials. I'd call it selfish and irresponsible, at the
>> very least.
>> 
> 
> 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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