NYCkayaker capsized kayaker

[Erik Baard]

Hi again,

As a writer, I'm left most mystified and frustrated by the methodology by
which the NYC editors choose their stories. Things that seem barely worth a
mention are prominently published, while other important topics, notable
events, and compelling narratives are ignored. And no, not just my own!  :)

Like David, I also worry about seeking numbers for numbers sake in terms of
walk-up paddles, but for me that's more a matter of maintaining good
volunteer-to-public paddler ratios on the pier and the water, especially the
perimeter. Some contend that a herd mentality, or self-ordering "smart mob,"
emerges when lots of people are on the water. I haven't found this to always
be the case, especially with teens. That said, rarely have I found people
"graduating" from walk-up programs into cocky yahoos. If anything, those
aspiring to more almost invariably strike up conversations about it, asking
about our experiences, etc. That's our chance to deliver an added caution,
and to plug participating in group trips.

A far more common hazardous paddler is one with some casual experience "back
home" in a smaller town with less active waterways, or is a fantastic
kayaker with a million BCU and ACA stars earned in exotic locales boasting
rough waters filled with sharks and orcas. Neither type knows our local
conditions, especially our large vessel traffic patterns, barely-submerged
(at times) obstructions along the shoreline, and security zones. These
types, usually men, put in on their own and don't want the fuss of community
(even with the brain trust that comes with it).

Personally, when it comes to investing time and energy into disseminating
safety messages I would rather reach scores of eager kids than a few bold
loners. But that's an emotional reaction and we must be mindful that those
scattered few aberrant paddlers can cause us a whole lot of hassles with
authorities and grief for their families.

What to do? Signage? More safety materials to be included in gear sales
materials? Licensing? More paddler socials inland? An Op-Ed piece? Making
sure reporters have a few of us in their experts lists?

Erik Baard, Founder .
LIC Community Boathouse



On Mon, Jan 25, 2010 at 8:08 PM, Robert W. Harris <rob at rwharris.com> wrote:

> The author of that story in the times left out the key info.  She says at
> the end that they swung by with some cash for the guy who rescued them but
> doesn't say how much!  So:
>
> 1) What is the appropriate amount to pay a  deer-poaching lobsterman who
> saves your life and the life of your spouse?
> 2) What did the NY Times pay her for this column?
>
> is 2 greater than or less than 1?
>
> Rob
>
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-- 
Erik Baard
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