Ed ’ s foreword
A huge response !
PETER TRANTER
Putting together the Autumn issue of the Paddler , we received a last-minute contribution from a white water paddler named Michael Gallion , who was writing about his and his team ’ s experience of a rescue on the River Dee at Llangollen . Thankfully in his case , the rescued paddler and the group as a whole , everything turned out well with a successful outcome .
We led with the Dee rescue story to highlight the magazine to readers that the new Autumn issue was available . We had a phenomenal response both on the Paddler website and through social media – the story definitely got paddlers talking and exchanging viewpoints , no matter whether it was WW-related or emergencies on the sea .
In short , it was the most widely read story in the online editions of the magazine for 2022 . What made it more satisfying was the consensus on learning from the situation with few willing to play the ‘ blame game ’. It proves paddlers are a harmonious bunch and more than willing to learn from dangerous situations but there are those outside of the sport with much more criticism !
And to prove a point – the all-time most widely read online feature in the Paddler , since we started in 2012 , is Moulton Avery ’ s ‘ Blaming the Victims .’ Moulton is the founder and director of the National Center for Cold Water Safety and has been a cold water safety advocate for over 30 years .
Along with the cold water advice , Moulton is also a fierce advocate of not playing the blame game . With so many media outlets and social media , there is tremendous pressure that reporters are under to get a story out – even though all the facts may not be readily available .
As a result , many early stories need to be more accurate about the weather , the conditions , the time of day , the type of boat involved and even the location of the incident itself . Likewise , what does it mean to say that someone “ Should have known better ” when it ’ s clear they didn ’ t know any better – many hazards aren ’ t obvious , as at Llangollen .
None of us is immune from making mistakes and errors in judgment ; we all make unwise decisions all the time . In many sports , accident reviews are routine , and all paddlers benefit , when those involved dare to admit their mistakes so that we can learn the lessons . Whether our mistakes are big or small , it ’ s never easy to admit them . If we tolerate an undeserved , mean-spirited , and sharp rebuke of those who step forward , we shouldn ’ t be surprised when the result is that , eventually , nobody is willing to speak up . We all make mistakes , and it ’ s from them that we can hopefully learn something .
The lessons learned from the River Dee incident are all about having the correct rescue equipment , knowing how to use it and how quick-thinking paddlers , through training , have to be at a time when seconds were crucial and , therefore , something with which all watersport users can learn . So huge thanks to Michael Gallion and Moulton Avery for their input and time in getting the message out . Please let us know of any other close calls we can learn from , as Michael could have just counted his blessings without telling the story . Therefore , the Paddler will continue to create a blame-free environment in which an incident can be analysed and lessons learned .
We now enter our twelfth year in publication ; the next issue is number 70 ! It won ’ t be an easy year with cost pressures in all directions for us as a publication and for you as paddlers , so we appreciate your support , particularly if you continue to purchase the printed magazine – huge thanks !
BRITISH CANOEING Whilst we are handing out the thanks , we cannot leave out Robert Knott , Sam Rankin , Jack Carnell , James Ibbotson , Steph Roberts , Wendy Hockenhull , Beth Hall , and others , who all help us day in and day out in putting the full Paddler and Canoe Focus magazines together , plus their invaluable support in making British Canoeing ’ s huge membership aware of us and what we do . I ’ m also delighted that a contract extension with BC has been signed to continue from March 2023 onwards .
I would also like to thank the printers and mailing house , who continue to do an excellent job of printing and distribution . Last but nowhere near least , the contributors , advertisers and subscribers , all the cogs working together – thank you to you all – and please continue to send us your material and your thoughts on what you would like to see in the magazine .
I sincerely hope that you enjoy this issue of the Paddler and here ’ s to the next 12 years !
ThePADDLER
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