: Unfortunately, some new paddlers feel they have finished the job when their
: credit card cools off and don't take the time to learn the skills needed.
Right, and without seeking proper instruction, they may see a prepared and geared-up paddler with all the goo-ga's that a gear head can acquire and think that's what they need to be safe. Oh well. If they're smart enough to ask me, I'll tell them they need to learn how to use that stuff. If they're too dumb to ask a gear head why they carry redundant safety equipment, they're going to get in over their head anyway.
: I would rather put my faith in someone with insufficient gear that is all
: worn out than someone with everything you "need" that is brand
: new.
Just like the old rancher's wisdom: "Never expect a truck driver wearing brand new coveralls and ostritch-skin boots to be of much help at shipping time"
And I would rather put my faith in someone with adequate gear in serviceable condition and the skill to use it. Besides, what's to say that the skilled paddler has trashed all his safety gear practicing with it and has recently replaced it.
: Skills and experience are harder to enumerate and validate than proper gear,
: but it is a more accurate indicator of safety.
We're having a circular argument here, and discussing some pretty minor points. (which is great fun, but I think we're really seeing things quite similarly, but saying it differently). A discussion of only 5 minutes with any prospective paddling partner will tell you a lot about whether you'll be saving their butt every time you turn around, or whether you can get in some gnarly stuff with them and count on them to help you out if needed.
Besides, if I actually said that gear was really a good substitute for safety skills, Jed would flame me to a crisp!!! 
Shawn
*NM*
