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Sea Kayaks Techniques Bulletin Board
Re: Solo Paddling
Posted By: M. Hamilton In Response To: Solo Paddling (Dwight)
Date: Tuesday, 5 December 2000, at 1:55 a.m.
Dwight, As you may pick up from my many (perhaps too many) posts that I advocate skills very strongly. With that I will tell you that a highly skilled and prepared solo paddler is in my opinion FAR SAFER that a group of poorly skilled boaters. In groups with low skill levels there's a false sense of safety. When the big stuff hits they are all in trouble - ie Wa. Ferry and numerous power boat rescues in the San Juans of kayakers in groups. Seldom do I hear of a highly skilled solo boater getting into trouble. Sure there are risks, but we asses them and prepare. I solo paddled in 12 ft. confused clapotic seas last summer and some in our group who stayed ashore thought I was foolish, but I felt totally at ease and enjoyed myself. Am I invincible? NOT, but this was within my comfort and prparedness level. So I say use good judgement, account for the variables, wear proper clothing, be skilled with your craft, leave a float plan, check in etc., and go for it. I fully endorse solo travel. The rewards are worth the risks. It just requires a much higher level of commitment to mastery. The closest I've come to dying after years of so called crazy risk taking endeavors was on the highway! Rear ended, rolled several times etc.
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