Editorial This summer and into the future. When in the outdoors, we are always looking at the “what ifs”. “If I am to paddle this rapid, can I see a good line that will see me safely through?” “As a leader, will the skills of my followers be sufficient to see them to the bottom safely?” These questions also need to be balanced by the “what if”. So, we look at the rapid and then the skills, knowledge, confidence level and equipment and ask ourselves, “Can everyone here paddle this? What if it goes wrong?” If the worst is a bit of a dunking and everyone laughing at the end, then the buzz is balanced with the risk, and a happy outcome should be achieved by all. If there is a real chance of injury or worse, the decision carries a lot more of a consequence and hence, more thought needs to be applied. As this risk increases, the individual’s personal decision needs to be given more weight, as the consequences are theirs. Also, with increased risk, leaders need to be very careful about how much encouragement they give, as this is where many accidents can start. When people are encouraged out of their comfort zone and, in the heat of the moment, are then too stressed to deploy the necessary skills (that they may well have in less demanding situations), they may fail at the quest and get into trouble.
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When leading a group or just going paddling, I use the ‘Plonker’ meter. This is my last check before deciding to paddle in marginal conditions. The question I ask myself is, “If we decide to go ahead and it all goes wrong, will we look like Plonkers?” Will the family, friends, media, public and police etc. be shaking their heads and saying, “What was he thinking - the plonker!”? So, this summer when you are taking on a new challenge, ensure that you will not be a plonker by heading out in conditions that are beyond your or your group’s abilities. Looking wider, the protection of New Zealand waters must be our number one concern as kayakers. You will be pleased to know that this year Canoe & Kayak, as it has for many years, has been heavily involved. Tens of thousands of dollars and countless hours have been spent to support the effort to protect the Long Bay Okura Marine Reserve from pollution and the effects of further coastal urbanisation. The evidence from the Long Bay Okura Great Parks Society members, their specialists and legal team, have provided the court with information and examples on many issues that we believe are causing, or will cause long term damage to the environment. These issues are not unique to
Photo by: Harry Martin
Okura and we hope the outcome of this court case will reverberate around the country and help others protect their own waterways for future generations to enjoy. As this Marine Reserve and coastal area is the birthplace of the Yakity Yak Kayak Club, I call on any who have been helped in any way by the club to donate to the Save Okura Campaign (https://givealittle.co.nz/org/ savelongbayokuracoastline) and in doing so help save a little piece of coastal paradise for future generations to enjoy. And finally to all the volunteers, thanks to all who have given so generously their time to help others this year, not only in kayaking and the environment, but throughout the broad spectrum of volunteerism in New Zealand. Through the combined efforts of all us volunteers, the future for the kids and New Zealand looks so much brighter. Merry Christmas Peter Townend
Issue 87 Christmas 2017
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