Ed Viesturs is the only American (and one of
only six total) who has climbed all fourteen of the world’s
highest mountains, without the use of supplemental oxygen. He has
a motto that has kept him alive through all those perilous adventures:
“Getting up is optional. Getting down is mandatory.”
Martin
and Tony punch through on the Lochsa.
©Keli Keach |
Not many of us huck off 100 foot waterfalls or paddle around
Greenland, but every time we venture out on the water we are
in an alien environment. We are by nature, land animals who
have adapted to the water world through the use of gear and
strategy.
Whatever kind of boating you do, you’re taking on some
degree of risk. Only by using good judgment and the right
kind of gear do you have a reasonable assurance of getting
back safely. Good gear is readily available, certainly right
here at NRS. But the judgment part comes from what you pack
between your ears, a working, right-thinking brain. |
The secret, if there is a secret, to safe boating is recognizing
what your limits are and staying within those limits. This includes
the limits of your skill and of your equipment. You extend your
limits with practice and by acquiring better equipment. However,
if you exceed the current limits of your skills and/or equipment,
you are increasing the odds that you won’t come home safe.
When you start boating, or pick up a new part of the sport, start
small and slow. Learn what gear and safety equipment is needed,
talk to other boaters, join a boating club, check out the conditions
on the waters you’ll be boating. Don’t get caught up
in the macho, or macha, mindset that just because John or Jane runs
a rapid or paddles to an offshore island that you have to do it
too or lose face. Ed Viesturs once turned back when he was only
300 feet from the summit of Mt. Everest and he only made it to the
top on his third expedition. “Getting up is optional. Getting
down is mandatory.”
Wear your life jacket, check weather conditions and water
levels. Always leave word with someone about where you’re
going and when you’ll return. Learn and practice techniques
of self-rescue and of rescuing others. Check the condition
of your gear before you go out. Repair or replace worn or
damaged equipment. Carry repair and medical kits and signaling
gear. Don’t hesitate to portage or line a rapid or to
turn back if conditions aren’t right.
|
Dan practices
his rescue bag technique.
©Keli Keach
|
You’re out there to have fun. Getting injured or dead isn’t
fun. Remember:
Going out is optional. Coming back is mandatory.
Boat Often & Boat Safe!
We got a nice email from George Rhys in response to this article:
"I just wanted to tell you how very much I appreciated your
article on the motto: 'Coming back is mandatory.' In early January
I drove from southern California to the Everglades for a week-and-a-half
solo paddle. At the Everglades, I realized that my solo canoe,
though well proven in river rapids, just wasn't suited for open
water crossings in stiff winds. Off-shore self rescue was a daunting
prospect. After one night out and NOAA's prediction of the winds
continuing for the entire trip, I turned back. Of course, one
wonders if he did the right thing, aborting such a trip after
so much preparation and travel. Your article helps me feel much
better about my decision--clearly the right decision, but not
real easy. Thank you for the validation!"
George is a serious paddler who likes to travel around the country,
focusing on the waters of a particular region on each trip. Thanks,
George, for modeling good judgment, for writing in and for Coming
Back!
