There's been a bit of debate and chat about the rights and wrongs of solo paddling lately on UKRGB. Some of it, surprisingly has been about whether or not it is the right thing to do.
Clearly, as with a lot of adventurous activities, undertaking any form of kayaking by yourself will change the nature of the risks you face. However, does this/should this, result in solo paddling being seen as the wrong thing to do. One commentator said that most coaches won't/can't condone it.
As Douglas Bader allegedly once said "Rules are for the obedience of fools and the guidance of wise men". So, what makes a group of paddlers foolish, and the solo paddler a wise man?
I believe it's easier to answer the latter. The wise solo paddler seeks to understand the environment in which he paddles, the nature of the real and perceived risks he faces, and understands his role within the grand scheme of things. He has thought about how to limit his exposure to the risks, and has a 'cunning plan' should they occur. Ultimately, he knows that he could lose his life, but has weighed up the risks against the benefits to be gained from escaping by himself into the real world. He is aware of his skills, his performance ability, his limits.
So, what makes a group foolish? Is that such a hard question to answer now that I've looked at some of the things I believe has made the solo paddler a wise man? A foolish group may not fully understand the environment, it's risks, or know what to do if they occur. They may each be hiding under the false belief that the other members of the group will look after them, or that somehow as a group they are stronger - when as a group they've not practiced safety and rescue techniques. Each member may have abdicated responsibility for their own personal safety to 'the group'.
But what about the other argument often brought out when a solo paddler/walker is rescued? "You shouldn't be so irresponsible expecting everyone else to risk their lives rescuing you?". A few of my friends belong to various different parts of the rescue community, be it Fire, Ambulance, Police, Coastguard, Lifeguards, Lifeboat crew and I can't think of a single one of them that would say such a thing, provided the solo paddler was properly skilled, prepared, and able to take on the challenges. And I'm sure they're attuned to spotting the ones who aren't.
So, is the solo paddler foolish, and the group wiser??
Personally, I think those who are against solo paddling (or solo participation of other sports, e.g. walking, climbing, etc) should take a deep look inside them and ask themselves the question "what is it, deep within me, that prevents me from undertaking solo paddling?". For I believe that it is more often a reflection of the critics weaknesses, not a concern for the solo paddler, that drives those who criticise the solo paddler.
I know this, I have friends who climb solo and run rivers solo. In both cases, if I look deep enough I know that, with the exception of extremely easy ones, I wouldn't climb solo or run rivers solo, because neither my climbing or river paddling skills are good enough. However, knowing this, does not allow me to impose my own limits on others activities.
*for the avoidance of doubt - he means she, him means her, etc..
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2 Comments:
October 24, 2006 2:35 PM
October 24, 2006 2:35 PM
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