PADDLER 64
Pick your paddling partners carefully . An illprepared member of the group puts the entire group at risk .
PADDLER 64
LET ’ S EXPLORE EACH OF THESE ITEMS
Some obstacles cannot be navigated with any reasonable degree of safety . The pile of trees and branches may be too massive with no path around or through it . Climbing over it may be unsafe due to the debris ’ s instability or slippery surfaces . Perhaps it ’ s a classic strainer where the current is so strong that there is a severe risk of pinning the canoe or , worse yet , getting yourself trapped . There is no shame in going to shore and taking your canoe for a walk in the woods .
There may be a potential paddling path , but do I have the skills to navigate it ? Am I able to make the necessary tight turns ? Am I able to duck low enough in the canoe to pass under the overhanging tree limbs while still maintaining control of the boat ? Can I safely climb onto the downed log , pull my canoe over it and get back in ? A couple of years ago , paddling in the
Pick your paddling partners carefully . An illprepared member of the group puts the entire group at risk .
New Jersey Pine Barrens , there was a particularly long and congested section where it was necessary to do something akin to a K turn , simultaneously ducking beneath overhead branches in the midst of a swift current . Worse , directly below this jumble was another and another , each containing similar challenges . Everyone in the group was prepared , both mentally and with the necessary skills . All made it through successfully .
There is always the risk of a mishap . A worst-case mishap could be fatal . Most mishaps are inconvenient , perhaps uncomfortable and possibly expensive . A slip and resulting fall into the water might mean being wet and cold for the rest of the trip or not if you ’ re wearing a dry suit or carrying a change of clothes . A pinned and damaged boat could be costly . Even nonfatal injuries could mess up your paddling season or worse . Don ’ t forget about your paddling partners . Whatever happens to you will have consequences for them as well .
Pick your paddling partners carefully . An ill-prepared member of the group puts the entire group at risk . It ’ s OK to bring along a less experienced paddler , but they