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Sea Kayaks Techniques Bulletin Board
Re: The panic reaction and a bear story
Posted By: Will In Response To: Re: The panic reaction and a bear story (sing)
Date: Monday, 13 December 2004, at 10:55 a.m.
Freezing is an instinct, it has its causes and its value. One freeze I've experienced twice was being wakened abruptly from a deep sleep and being completely paralyzed. This is not out of fear or panic, but part of the sleep process with some animal flight/fight value.
The first time was a guy with a gun the second time someone who walked through my camp and stole my lantern. Movement in either case very likely would have caused more problems than solutions. (The shooter did shoot and went to prison for it).But practice makes perfect. Training, preparation and practice will always help in a stressful situation. Its panic that is hazardous. Practice rolling, practice rescues, bring extra food & water, go out for an afternoon-be prepared to stay for two nights. Using some compliated equipment like a camera or gun-practice practice practice.
Battling bears is an interesting one because despite the number of tales true and tall there really is no firm body of information on exactly what to do in every possible situation. This is probably because bears tend to avoid humans unless they've been corrupted by dumps and toursit snacks. Polar Bears seem to generally require carrying a shot gun that is seldom used. (See "Four Against the Arctic" David Roberts --Spitsbergen -highest concentration of polar bears in the world.)
btw the most dangerous animal any of us is ever likely to encounter is human. PBs and sharks are scary but pigs kill ten times as many people and people kill a hundred times more than pigs. In a kayak that means other kayakers, ourselves, unprepared for situations, mistakes-usually multiple mistakes, in ability to call for help, etc....
W: adrenalized state, is to train every so often at the "edge"
: (with back ups of course). The edge is wherever you feel a certain level
: of discomfort or fear. The more one adapts to taking on uncomfortable
: situations, the more the mind and body is able to respond adroitly in
: unfamiliar situations. The decision and action may turn out to be wrong,
: but there is a shot at success whereas the one who freezes will almost
: always fail.: sing
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