: Not one among us has not been a Runner-Up for a "Darwin
: Award" on more than one occasion, spit back out into the
: mainstream of the living in large part by sheer luck. Having an
: opportunity to learn an important life lesson first hand and
: live to benefit from the learning, is a great gift from nature.
: The next best way to learn how to stay alive is through
: affiliation - exposing yourself to the group and its rules and
: recommendations. Groups like ConnYak, TNP, and basics of
: kayaking courses. I have been struck over the years in reading
: accounts of paddler deaths how often the victim appeared to be a
: lone ranger doing his or her own thing. It amazes me how readily
: folks internalize use of safety gear and sound practices once
: directly exposed to them through the practice and preaching of
: the larger group. The unaffiliated lone paddler falls prey to
: the Law of Continuing Expectations: it worked OK the first few
: times I did it this way and it will always work like this for
: me. So, I am in favor of the speaking up option - respectfully
: urging the paddler to join the larger community of saner
: practices. Likely you will not hear, " Wow, I have been a
: complete fool - thanks so much for paddling over and setting me
: straight!" No. Most times you'll get some mild blow back
: and some reasons why ordinary precautions don't apply to them or
: their practices. BUT, the old way will be disrupted and seeds of
: change planted. I think Dave did just the right thing.
: Accompanying the paddler to safety underscored his concern for
: their situation way more than some scolding might have. Passing
: on info about groups of paddlers to learn from made the
: encounter less like a traffic stop and more like an invitation.
: Good to have this discussion. We each might have an MO on how to
: proceed tactfully in similar situations. The club clearly
: embraces a larger role in promoting paddling safety on our
: waters beyond the membership. One on one on the water is just
: another variation on that theme.

Great post Carl.
I would recommend to everyone to read Seakayaker Magazine's book Deep Trouble and Laurence Gonzales' book Deep Survival.