Rick wrote:
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

It's a rude wakeup call, but it is alot easier to answer the phone when
we're at the start of a paddle, than when were way out, and half way
there! Once we do this our inexperience resume is considerably reduced,
and our experience resume is seriously increased. That is the part of
paddling that separates the men and boys. Alot of folks may think that
going out to whale watch, etc. is the purpose, but I suspect that we
have to be willing to develope a more itimate relationship with the
water itself. Most folks are not willing to pay their dues, and decide
that paddling is not for them. Enjoying the total experience! TnT