Quote:
Originally Posted by Jandrews
Clearly a lot of experienced kayakers here. So, a question....how dangerous is kayaking? Any close calls? How does it compare to other outdoor adventure sports from a risk/danger perspective? Say, vs mountain biking? dirt bikes/trail riding? scuba diving?
I have always wanted to try it, but a good friend of mine gave it up after a scare involving being upside down wedged into a rock in fast water. Is that kind of thing common?
JA
|
White water kayaking isn't particularly dangerous if you know what you are doing. Like any outdoor sport you can get over your head fairly quickly and that is when people get hurt.
Even in the late 60's, early '70's when I learned to paddle, the rules were fairly simple: Never paddle alone, if at all possible on "first runs" paddle with someone who knows the river at the level of water the river is running at.
When in doubt, scout and know when to leave the kayak on the rack.
My worst day was on the Gauley River in West Virginia. I made a silly mistake and hurt my shoulder, which made it very difficult in certain stretches of the river. I was frankly very tired and afraid. This was my first run on the Gauley and we didn't latch up with anyone who had run it before until after I got hurt. Strike one.
We also didn't scout the rapid I got hurt on because it was overcast and cold and scouting was a PIA. Strike Two.
There was, thankfully, no strike three. A man's got to know his limitations
Give it a try. My big water days are in the rear view mirror. I probably kayak in ocean surf more than anything these days. Find your comfort zone and it is a hoot.