Bryan wrote:

....stuff deleted

If I had a buck for every idiot I've seen out paddling on water
in the 40's in nothing
more than jeans or shorts and a T-shirt, I could retire tomorrow. All
too often, their attitude is just like that of a couple we spoke with
that was out in a tandem so dressed, with no PFD's or spray skirts. When
we explained the dangers to them, their response was "Well, we weren't
planning on going in the water." Duh!


Whenever I go out with an inexperienced paddler, I wrap them in their
immersion gear and we go swimming. I tell this, this is "the worst thing
that will happen to you all day." Most act chilled for a few moments and
then, as the water stops circulating in the wetsuit, are quite happy.
Generally, this keeps them from adopting that particular attitude (which
is probably just as common amongst those who don't paddle with me).


Rick