I've approach whitewater canoeing/kayak with the same attitude and
experience. I've lost boating buddies because I've decided at the putin
that I'm not comfortable with a particular run on a particular day, but I've
considered those people not worth my time; if they won't accept my judgment
about my own abilities and present condition then I'm better off without
them.

Whitewater demands that a paddler is on top of his game, with serious
consequences if he's not. Most experienced paddlers understand this and
give each other carte blanche to decide for themselves whether they are
ready for a run. As soon as a suggestion, "Let's run the Gauley today."
becomes an urge or taunt, "C'mon, don't be so chicken. You know you can do
this.", experienced paddlers spot a jerk and tend to leave them behind. The
first thing taught to new boaters is that they alone are ultimately
responsible for the decision to make a run or not.

I would expect the same respect from other sailors, and I will put those
people who try to push me into situations I'm not ready for into the same
category that pushy salesmen populate; those concerned with their own needs
at the expense of others..

Padeen