K.I.S.S.

Okay, the trigonometry example is a bit simplistic, but it makes a point. To find x, one can use ratios, tangents, cotangents, etc.. But really, it's right there inside the circle. x has been found. Problem solved. Why make it harder?

The same is true of paddling. Lots of us spend lots of time amusing our cerebral cortex as we go through endless catalogues looking for camping gear, deck bags, sails, exotic paddles, GPS units and so on. This syndrome, by the way, is common among sail boaters. They, too, spend lots of time and even more money on preparing for that trans oceanic trip they will never take.

Perhaps it is boredom that sends us looking for something to spiff up our boats or make them more ready for that 30 day arctic paddle (that most of us will never do). Perhaps it supports those day dreams of adventure and the call of the wild that we hear but seldom answer. It's normal, especially among us paddlers who, by the very fact we paddle on big water, share a certain wander lust and willingness to reach and take some risks. Still, when all is said and done, most paddlers do what most paddlers do. They paddle, and they do so locally, from the same launch site time after time.

At the end of the day, all most of us need is a boat, a decent basic paddle, a pfd, a paddle float, proper clothing and water. It goes without saying that the boat needs to have good bulkheads, good hatch covers and deck lines. A compaion and a float plan are also worthy ideas. Everything after that (for the local day paddler) is fluff and pretentious. Keep It Simple Stupid.

Paddle safe...

DS