On 26-Oct-2003, Mary Malmros wrote:

So why doesn't someone who needs a paddle float -- which is JUST
ANOTHER TOOL -- also have a "more serious problem"?

Getting into a kayak without a stirrup is easy.
Getting in without a stability aid is harder.

I don't use either. I roll. Kayaking isn't about relying on tools,
it's about skill.

Since it is easy to get into a kayak without a stirrup, then
clearly not being able to do that should tell you something
about the paddler in question. It's an obvious cutoff - this
person can't reasonably handle a kayak if they can't do something
that's easy. They need to get into shape, add strength, whatever
to be able to meet the demands of such a simple task. If they
can't, hand them a beer and the remote and tell them to get
their kayak thrills vicariously from video tapes.

We're not talking about developing olympic calibre kayaking skills
here, we're talking about a very simple task. If you absolutely
can't do it, give up on kayaking.

Mike