Quote:
Originally Posted by Evenstar
Well, it could just be me – but this is one of the most confusing posts I have read on the forum. Here’s my interpretation of what you wrote:
1.) You agree that I can see another kayak up to a mile away in good visibility.
2.) You claim that powerboat operators can see further than me, which means that all powerboat owners can plainly see my kayak.
3.) Then you say that I need to increase my visibility (because being visible from a mile away isn’t good enough???) – by installing some silly little flag!!!????
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I'm sorry you are so confused by my post Evenstar. On the other hand, the reason I talk to myself is because I'm the only one that always understands me (and then I'm not always sure
)
It's been around 30 years since I taught courses as adjunct faculty in Boston (an original Forum person "could" have been a student of mine
). Maybe I'm out of practice but I'll try to answer so you are able to grasp what I am saying. I'm growing weary of this subject.
Your items # 1 and #2 above are correct. I assume that you agree. From your kayak you can see other kayaks over a mile away. It follows that boaters can see at least as far away as you can (probably further) because their vantage point is much higher above the water than you are. I think you follow that so far.
Your conclusion in item #3 is faulty, illogical and somewhat typical of someone not paying attention.
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Evenstar
3.) Then you say that I need to increase my visibility (because being visible from a mile away isn’t good enough???) – by installing some silly little flag!!!????
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Your kayak being visible from a mile or more away sure is enough - that's my point. We agree that you can be seen from a mile or more
but you still claim some boaters" do NOT see you because they are going over 45 mph causing you to fear for your safety. I disagree with that conclusion. Speed is not the issue. Boaters do see you quite well. You admit you can be seen over a mile away.
Your lament is that boaters going faster than 45 mph can not see you soon enough because of their SPEED. That is a faulty conclusion. However, to be
helpful, I suggest trying to be
more visible than you are currently. To help you feel more secure. If you are afraid that you can not be seen with your current visibility I suggested using a kayak "safety flag" (you called it a silly little flag) to help you be seen better than you are now.
I was trying to be helpful lady.
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Evenstar
The problem is not my lack of visibility – the problem is that some powerboat owners are traveling at speeds that are greater than their ability to see.
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We disagree. If you can be seen from a mile or more it does not matter how fast (within reason) the viewer is going - they will also see you from a mile or more away. (Speed of light and somewhat slower excepted
- of course I mean those speeds that are safe for the conditions).
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Evenstar
Here are the facts:
1.) Visibility has NEVER been a problem for me on Squam Lake – because there is a 40 mph speed limit which apparently keeps powerboat operators from traveling faster than their ability to see. So I’m almost certain that a 45mph speed limit on Winni with have a similar effect (although, personally I think that 40 mph is a better limit).
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Facts do not usually include words like "apparently" and "I'm almost certain". Those are not facts as far as I can tell. There could be other circumstances that cause you to believe that you have no visibility problem on Squam Lake not just speed. It is a different territory from Lake Winnipesaukee. Your conclusion that SPEED of other boats changes their visibility so it is unsafe for you is not justified. Again, 60 mph allows almost a full minute for a boater to react to you from a mile away. Your visibility does not change if the boater is going 30 mph, 45 mph or 60 mph. Your situation is the same. You are just as easily seen. A minute is more than enough time to react. 2 minutes is more time of course but one minute is more than adequate.
I hope I have made that clear enough for you to understand my meaning and motivation.
Other brief
comments:
You have explained your prowess, athletic ability, great physical shape and strength. All the sporting activities you do to keep you in above average condition. You are on paddling teams and do other sporting. We know you have much more experience as a kayaker than normal paddlers. You've told us how sensitive your sea kayak is - how it may be hard for most of us to even sit in one. You go out for a long hard 20 mile kayak workout.
You ask for someone to go with you to see you not being seen by fast boaters. You wonder why no one wants to volunteer to go with you?
Who the heck could keep up with you? I know you have a friend you kayak with, I mean us regular (and even irregular
) forum members. You tell us we have to rent/borrow a kayak to go with you although I first thought you might have a spare or a 2 person kayak.
Mee-n-Mac mentioned going out with you but you claim it was a joke. I missed where the offer was recanted. I do wish you well even though I believe you are misguided regarding the 45/25 speed limit issue. Enforce current laws and regulations. We don't need new ones.
This is too long and I have no more time to edit. I also am getting too frustrated. I hope you are able to understand what I've said.
AL, Skipper of the Sea Que
Kayakers love water - Boaters love people