tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5528259993700645789.post2573484831036351909..comments2021-03-23T22:29:35.993-05:00Comments on Paddler's Book Club: (Sea Kayaker: Deep Trouble) Chapter 1 Drifting With the CurrentsRick Isaacsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01439028604981334660noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5528259993700645789.post-200739086643765332010-11-26T20:32:29.422-06:002010-11-26T20:32:29.422-06:00I always paddle with a PDF. It makes me crazy that...I always paddle with a PDF. It makes me crazy that a local group's primary trip organizer has stopped wearing one.<br /><br />I thought the sidebar on Wide vs Narrow Kayaks was quite thought provoking - "one of your first priority should be developing effective braces." Being inland, bracing has been at the back of priorities. I've taken a bracing class but only practiced a litte. Watching video of rough conditions makes me appreciate the necessity of the skill. Practicing in flatwater seems a bit hokey compared to practicing in mild seas.Mikehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06759225576163909666noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5528259993700645789.post-51608946424651972632009-12-16T23:33:25.847-06:002009-12-16T23:33:25.847-06:00Rick - thanks for the link and you are always welc...Rick - thanks for the link and you are always welcome to use any video clips you want off my blog.<br /><br />I've always felt that there exist certain safety rules that we teach beginners because they lack the experiential basis for judgment: "Always wear a PFD", "Dress for immersion". The truth is that safety is much more complicated and with experience and training comes (ideally) good judgment that is more fluid. I don't dress for immersion if I'm going for a workout paddle on flat water - I would quickly overheat. Top surf kayakers don't wear PFD's because they would be a liability if swimming in big waves.<br /><br />Judgment is something that is developed like any other skill - through conscious effort and practice. Reading books like Deep Trouble is a good place to start and then practicing techniques and being realistic about your skills and the conditions you can handle.<br /><br />As far as giving advice to others on the water - that is always a tricky one. I normally try to have a pleasant conversation and assess their knowledge and skills. Any advice must be given as a friendly suggestion and not "I know best so listen to me". As a professional instructor I normally suggest people get professional instruction (not necessarily from me) since that is the best way to start off on the right foot. <br /><br />For more experienced folks the key is to assess situations with forethought but without ego. Experienced folks get complacent and either jump into a paddle without a proper review of conditions and forecasts or overestimate their ability to handle things. If most long time paddlers gave each paddle the same attention they did when they started a lot of problems would be avoided.Bryant Burkhardthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14962650670783506022noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5528259993700645789.post-38447958622333790212009-12-16T14:47:50.889-06:002009-12-16T14:47:50.889-06:00Hi All,
I just got a copy of the book. Therefore...Hi All,<br /><br />I just got a copy of the book. Therefore I am a little behind the rest of you and will not comment on any first chapter discussions yet.<br /><br />I don't typically paddle in tidal areas with the exception of Darby creek where it flows through the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge. Accordingly, every year I go to the NOAA tide predictions website and download the the tidal information and then use that information to ensure that I am not paddling anywhere near low tides.<br /><br />PFDs, don't get me started. I work as a paramedic and have studied hypothermia fairly extensively. I will not paddle without wearing my PFD. In addition, I believe that Pennsylvania, last year, enacted legislation that mandates kayakers, canoers and other small boat operators to wear a PFD during the cold water season of November through March. I argued extensively with one instructor who did not feel this was necessary and who often does not wear a PFD. I understand that we each have to assess our own risk and potential for injury. But, not wearing a PFD and telling students that you don't wear a PFD is both foolhardy and a disservice to the paddling community's safety. Many people are under the impression that it's "safe" to get wet when the air temperature is in that 75-80 F range. They fail to recognize that the water temperature could easily be 15-20 degrees colder and that seemingly benign 75-80 F could set you up for hypothermia. <br /><br />Regards,<br /><br />KevinKevinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03462875532278292435noreply@blogger.com