Sea Kayaks Techniques Bulletin Board

Re: Gear -> Safety

Posted By: Shawn Baker
Date: Monday, 4 March 2002, at 1:17 p.m.

In Response To: Re: Gear -> Safety (Nick Schade - Guillemot Kayaks)

I should have rephrased that. Gear is only one part of the equation--more importantly, the skills to use that gear, paddling skills, and good judgement are all vital components of a good paddling partner.

: I agree that being properly equipped is a good thing, but some people mistake
: having "all the right gear" with being prepared. While a PFD and
: wet/drysuit do not require skill to use properly they are not proof
: against bad judgement. Having a everything you could possibly need is of
: no use if you are going to put yourself in conditions that are over your
: head. Buying out the outfitter will not make you safe even if it might
: make you look like a "serious" kayaker.

No, it won't. But, the people who take the time to learn to use all that gear effectively (and to have judgement to avoid and/or skills to safely handle conditions where that gear would otherwise be 'mandatory') are sure "serious" kayakers.

: By the same token it possible to paddle safely without gearing up for an
: arctic expedition. The key to safety is what is in your head not what is
: on your back. If you are aware of your limitations you can be safe with
: almost no gear. If you are not aware of your limitations, no amount of
: gear will save you.

: Can you say "Risk Homeostasis"? Going out on a cold day in
: blue jeans in sheltered and calm conditions is probably about as risky as
: going out to play in the surf on a warm day wearing a dry suit and PFD
: with a pump, paddlefloat and VHF.

Yup.

Shawn

Messages In This Thread

Good man dies
M.Hamilton -- Wednesday, 27 February 2002, at 12:09 a.m.

Re: Good man dies
Wayne Smith -- Wednesday, 27 February 2002, at 10:24 a.m.

Re: Good man dies
Ben Staley -- Wednesday, 27 February 2002, at 12:38 p.m.

Re: Good man dies
Don Beale -- Wednesday, 27 February 2002, at 2:05 p.m.

Helmets
Brianne Corbett -- Wednesday, 27 February 2002, at 2:23 p.m.

Re: Thats a great poiint
Don Beale -- Wednesday, 27 February 2002, at 8:49 p.m.

Re: That really is a great poiint
Shawn Baker -- Wednesday, 27 February 2002, at 11:40 p.m.

Re: Gear -> Safety
Nick Schade - Guillemot Kayaks -- Monday, 4 March 2002, at 9:58 a.m.

Re: Gear -> Safety
Shawn Baker -- Monday, 4 March 2002, at 1:17 p.m.

Re: Gear -> Safety
Nick Schade - Guillemot Kayaks -- Monday, 4 March 2002, at 4:52 p.m.

Re: Gear -> Safety
Shawn Baker -- Tuesday, 5 March 2002, at 7:00 p.m.

Re: Gear -> Safety
Jed -- Tuesday, 5 March 2002, at 10:56 p.m.

Re: Thats a great poiint
Wayne Smith -- Thursday, 28 February 2002, at 8:43 a.m.

Tact be damned!
Brian Nystrom -- Thursday, 28 February 2002, at 12:20 p.m.

Tactless in New England
Jed -- Friday, 1 March 2002, at 3:03 p.m.

Re: Tactless in New England
Brian Nystrom -- Friday, 1 March 2002, at 3:32 p.m.

Re: Tactless in New England
Jed -- Friday, 1 March 2002, at 5:32 p.m.

Tact...use this board
Tom Tieman -- Thursday, 28 February 2002, at 12:50 p.m.

Taking all this one step further.......
Bruce S. -- Wednesday, 27 February 2002, at 10:05 p.m.

Re: Taking all this one step further.......
M.Hamilton -- Thursday, 28 February 2002, at 12:06 a.m.

in pursuit of happiness.
Jed -- Thursday, 28 February 2002, at 8:28 a.m.

Re: I cant think of a better way to go
Don Beale -- Thursday, 28 February 2002, at 8:49 a.m.

Re: I cant think of a better way to go
Pamela -- Thursday, 28 February 2002, at 8:00 p.m.

Re: Good man dies-smoking in bed
dave mcadoo -- Thursday, 28 February 2002, at 7:53 p.m.

Rear view mirrors
Brianne Corbett -- Thursday, 28 February 2002, at 10:08 p.m.

Re: Rear view mirrors
Bob O -- Friday, 1 March 2002, at 10:23 a.m.

Re: Rear-view Mirrors
Eric -- Friday, 1 March 2002, at 6:25 a.m.

Rear-view Mirrors ?????
Jed -- Friday, 1 March 2002, at 9:38 a.m.

Re: Rear-view Mirrors
Brianne Corbett -- Friday, 1 March 2002, at 3:29 p.m.

Place to hang fuzzy dice? *NM*
Val Wann -- Saturday, 2 March 2002, at 2:37 p.m.

Re: Place to hang fuzzy dice?
Brianne Corbett -- Saturday, 2 March 2002, at 9:38 p.m.

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