Risk is greater paddling alone
No matter who you are or what your skills are. There is no reason to deny that. But only you can decide what risk you want to take. Sometimes that risk is really small. Sometimes it is substantial (as in running class IV whitewater). I actually look at it another way. I really like paddling with companions. Maybe you don’t. Or maybe you don’t have any. But the paddling experience is enhanced for me when I share it with others. Obviously YMMV.
Be Conservative
I also do a lot of things solo that people say shouldn’t be done alone … paddling, hiking, cross-country skiing. I always act more conservatively when going solo. I know the argument (made earlier in this thread) that one shouldn’t do things in a group that they wouldn’t do solo … that you shouldn’t rely on the group to rescue you. But I think that depends on the group and its experience and expectations. I can self rescue, but it definitely would mean more in-water time than an assisted rescue in most cases. Therefore, in cold water conditions, I’m not going to be “pushing the envelope” when solo. In general, the consequences of things going wrong are greater when solo than in a group. As someone else said, start close to shore, don’t overestimate how much territory you can cover, etc.
Here we go!
Two points you might focus on
- I said “maybe”
- I also said “Has to be your call”
I hope we at least share the “do as I say, not as I do” thing…
You have learned and done all that …
good stuff.
Why not learn the most important safety aspect of being on the water which is swimming?
Doesn’t make much sense to me not to. -Unless you have some sort of a handicap that won’t allow you to
cheers,
jackL
Learn to do self-rescues
ASAP. And dress to get wet. Until you can get back in your boat alone, don’t go further from shore than you can swim.
Re weather, get a weather radio with an alert feature on it. You tend to find out that storms, especially in summer, don’t always behave to plan when you are sitting in a little boat.
I agree… Go Paddle!
I paddle alone, mtn bike alone, atv alone, hike alone, camp alone, hunt alone… And I thoroughly enjoy every moment. Yes, I do all these things with friends and family as well… But, it does not stop me from going alone. You already stated the safety precautions you would take, you are asking questions, and you are not overestimating your skill - so, GO, have fun and enjoy the serenity of it. For me, these times are special and a time to relax, listen to the silence, meditate and refocus. I have had many a close call over the years… But, each one was an adventure in itself. Nothing like being with nature and all her fury and surviving. Just like being with nature and all her splendor… It is all a grand adventure and let’s me know I am alive!
I was a Campfire Kids leader long ago
And the rule is TWO adults on every campout!
That way if one kid is hurt, one adult can rush him tothe hospital while the other remains behind withthe other kids and gear.
So, here is a possibility…
If you are alone and an accident happens, who will help you? Can you set your own broken limb ? Can you treat yourself for heatstroke or water poisoning?
If you overturn and make a wet exit, who will chase down your boat? Or rescue if if you are not wearing your PFD?
As for me, I like to paddle alone and rarely wear my PFD.
But then, I cannot swim and never recovered from my breakdown when my wife moved her bf into our house on my birthday so I don’t care!
But you might.
Or, unlike me, you may have friends who care about you and want you back alive and safe.
Be as safe as you want to be.
leer34, I paddled alone for years.
– Last Updated: Apr-27-09 2:51 PM EST –
Make sure someone knows where you are going, wear the PFD, pay very close attention to tides if you are in the salt, and don't do what I did as a beginner.
I had no idea what the weather was doing that day and got caught in the marsh at high tide in a hellacious thunderstorm.In a rec boat, no skirt. Filled the boat half full of rainwater.
My wife was scared to death waiting for me an then she got mad!
Since I din't get killed, it was fun!
Paddle alone most of the time
I like it because I can go at my own speed, go where I want and stop when I want. I always let the wife know where I am, carry a cell and don’t paddle in conditions that I’m not prepared for.
Andy
SPONSONS!
Geeze I’m so bad…
Actually I prefer outriggers to sponsons…
What Andy said!
and
you wear a pfd right?
Thermal protection and a PFD
Swimming is nice but I am poor at… Hell I can’t swim for beans.
I was a paratrooper and thought my swimming is very bad my flight skills are worse.
Be careful, always wear a PFD and if you were anywhere near me I would say a dry or thick wet suit are a must.
Hone up on self rescue skills as soon as you can.
Welcome to the greatest sport in the world.
You might check out Cold Water Boot Camp, on Youtube deep water is normally cold.
Be carefull but enjoy.
Alex
LOL
Supertrol you are a sh!t disturber aren’t you.
I have not seen the S word here for a while.
I am glad I did not have a cup to my lips when I saw your post.
Alex
what you plan
to do doesn’t sound particularly dangerous so long as you use the proper equipment(think pfd here) and watch the weather–and remember that wind is weather too.
you should practice
tipping over in your boat and getting out… (wet exit)
with someone with you… it’s really basic but I have seen beginners panic because it can happen very sudden.
the others advice about self rescue (or taking lessons) is good advice. Let the instructor know you want to get wet and learn to rescue.
He’s just trolling for a Springcreek
factory sponsonship.
Everyone
is really paddling alone…they just tend to think those people that they are surrounded by are going to be able to save them…always paddle like you have to take care of yourself and you will be prepared like you should always be…
as the conditions worsen…even the best paddlers are paddling with no net…prepare to always save yourself…learn to roll as bombproof as possiable…start now…it’s a beginner skill , don’t let anyone convince you otherwise…(off the bandwagon now)
Best wishes
Roy
until you are confident enough to …
– Last Updated: Apr-27-09 11:00 PM EST –
...... increase risk level , stay right in close to the shore ... and paddle many , many miles of shoreline . Hopefully while you experience close to shore adventures , you will also experience various increasing weather and water challenges , increasing your confidence and skill levels . All of sudden you will strike out for further ranges and explorations that lead you away , further and further from shore .
Agree with having aboard at least minimal measures for comfort and survival should you be stranded for a brief time till you figure out what to do next ... probably won't happen , but you be prepared anyway , right ??
Crawl , walk , then run ... who knows , you may end up jumping too !!
+1
On going alone. I paddle alone most of the time for the reasons Andy mentioned.
You’ve gotten some great advice here.
I would reiterate:
Tell someone where you are going
Make sure your PFD fits and wear it
Practice self rescue
Use a paddle leash
Make sure your cell phone stays dry and is connected to the boat
Never swim naked if the tide is going out
Have fun!!!
Have fun!!!
Have fun!!!