The subject of solo paddling is a fascinating one, and one that is discussed on practically every sea kayaking message board at one time or another, with all sorts of opinions being expressed, pro and con. But it is evidently too hot a topic for some, on some sites (not this one, thank goodness), and cannot be discussed beyond a certain point without there being expressions of fear that novice kayakers will be somehow tempted, because others paddle solo and say so, to go out solo when they shouldn't. This attitude seems to prevail even though those who do paddle solo stipulate that it is not suitable for all paddlers, and may carry risks that exceed the risks of paddling in a group; the fear of poisoning the minds of the newbie is just too strong in some circles to tolerate full discussion. (As an aside, I would be interested in any large, meaningful statistical study that anyone has ever made regarding solo vs group sea kayaking fatalities; it has been alleged that the Coast Guard has such statistics, but no one has yet been able to produce them from the USCG data. I think we all believe solo paddling to be riskier than group paddling, but that belief so far rests on anecdotal reporting and theory.)

In a recent series of posts on another message board (I will not name it), in answer to a request from a newer paddler for guidance on how to better prepare for longer trips, I offered the opinion that well-prepared, well-equipped newer sea kayakers could gain valuable longer-distance experience paddling along shallow, benign, sandy bay shorelines, where waters were no more than maybe chest-deep, and the shoreline and an attendant roadway were only a few hundred feet away, at most. The idea here was to explore kayaking a full day's distance of, say, 15 to 20 nautical miles, total, there and back, SOLO if need be, if there was some difficulty in joining a group or getting one together. I had made similar proposals on the very same message board at least twice previously over the past 10 years; they had been received calmly, with several expressions of support and interest. So imagine my disappointment when this latest thread was abruptly locked up and withdrawn to a Members Only part of the message board, along with a stern lecture that only trips with at least 3 kayakers could receive the full blessing of the organization. I presume from this that future trip reports discussing solo or 2-person outings will be scrubbed--kind of a sad ending for a once-thriving and open forum.

So let us be grateful that our Sea Kayaker Message Board here retains its integrity as a forum for open discussion of sea kayaking topics. I know I am.

That is what I used to think--that this forum was open to opinion and free thought, but I found out differently. But that aside, I am ever grateful for forums of this type--even with restrictions.

Magooch, where did you run into censorship here? I'm not talking about people like me giving you a hard time; I'm talking about you having stuff just pulled, period.

Not sure what the other message board is but probably the notion to err on the side of caution is a good one though one would expect things to be handled a better way by a moderator, such as a disclaimer or something. Solo paddling is no different than any other sport where a comparison can be made to a strength in numbers scenario. Sometimes that strength comes in the ability to forestall problems as well as better management should an incident occur. That paddlers elect to solo paddle should not be frowned upon. It is a freedom we have and unlike solo river kayaking for instance, is seen as more favourable as long as too adventurous an outing is not undertaken. So how does one get to gain experience solo paddling? Obviously by going solo paddling. The nearshore notion is perfectly acceptable once some basic skills are acquired and other factors are accounted for. I utilized circumnavigation trips nearshore around islands that didn't have long crossing or exposed sections. I always carried good gear and thermal protection. And avoided winter as much a possible at first . The idea has validity and I am sorry for the censorship. Perhaps recent incidents over the last couple of years have caused forum managers to be extra cautious.

Doug, I think the problem is that the latest batch of club officers where I sometimes post just have a different mindset about what's acceptable talk on the message board than did the officers during the past 10 years. For this new batch, the ACA, BCU and SKIN (Sea Kayaking Industry) guidelines essentially ruling out solo paddling and mandating a 3-paddler minimum are all that matter. I was told that USCG stats told the tale about solo paddling; I should go look it up. So I did, and found nothing. I was told the club's own guidelines were strict on solo kayaking; again I looked at all the club's bylaws, rules, regulations and found nothing, and reported all this. The result: end of discussion. Gonna put a real crimp in future trip reporting by some of our more independent and more poetic sea kayakers.

I guess it's a little like talking about m-----------; everybody (almost) does it, but....... She-Bop. I'll bet the authors of every sea kayaking text, video, and Official Club Guidelines have paddled solo, and can urge with perfect sincerity that novices not do it; they can also discuss when, where, and how in their opinion it can be done and by whom, but to just shut down discussion, in my opinion, was both wrong and silly.

I find the conversation on this thread about solo paddling to be very interesting. The idea of censorship on various internet sites is troubling. The reason could possibly be a fear of legal liability and that is, in itself, is a sad reflection of our current society. Other issues are also at play.
I love solo paddling and will never stop...that being said the older, wiser and more experienced paddlers have a real responsibility to properly inform other paddlers about the risks of going solo and the practice techniques, etc. to use to slowly become a confident and reliable solo kayaker. I think Strange Magics comments are sincere and well founded.

Like many kaykers in Canada I began my first solo trips on the water as a boy in a canoe. The most famous canoe paddler in the history of Canada is the late Bill Mason (The Water Walker). He was an artist and outdoorsman of the highest quality and went on long solo journeys on the 'big water' often. In his famous film 'Paddle To The Sea' he addressed the solo expedition question in a fascinating segment. He talked about how many people often told him to never go solo for long periods on the big water.
Upon further inquiry he discovered that these same people had never actually gone solo and dismissed their concerns after giving them the intellectual weight that they deserved.
Isn't it interesting how other people always try to direct the actions of others even though they actually don't know what they are talking about? Sometimes even governments and 'know it all elements' from kayak federations get involved! Luckily Canada is still a free nation. Long live solo kayaking...long live freedom!

Note: 'Paddle To The Sea' is freely downloadable from the National Film Board Of Canada Website. Highly recommended! Look and learn?

I've said it before and I reiterate; if I only went paddling when I could find partners, I might go paddling about two times per year.

There are plenty of folks around who will go from time to time, but there is exactly the problem. They don't go often enough and when they do, they are so out of shape and timid about conditions, it isn't worth the effort. When I go by myself, I don't have to worry about what kind of trouble some other paddler is having with his boat, or other gear. I don't have to worry about their inexperience getting them into trouble and I don't have to paddle at their mind numbing slow pace.

I've often thought how great it would be to find a reliable paddler who is about matched for experience etc., but I'm beginning to think that is almost impossible and to find a matched threesome, most certainly would be very difficult. That's not to say that I assign myself as some kind of elite paddler--I'm not and I have no desire to be. I try to stay within my comfort zone, which at this point isn't likely to change very much. When I think it's too wild to be out there, that's it, and I'm not about to try to lure any of my friends out into the crap that I've gotten comfortable with.

With all that said, I'm kind of working on a guy who seems very willing to learn and has done some paddling, but right now he doesn't have his own boat. I don't mind loaning a boat once in a while, but I will not become a provider. This guy is well able to get his own stuff and hopefully he will pretty soon. I would mention the kind of boat he is seriously looking at, but then I would be in trouble, so I won't.

Magooch, my approach is the same as yours regarding partners; I gave up paddling with "just anybody" a long time ago, after too many times waiting for people to find the launch site, or showing up late, or locking their keys in their car, or forgetting their sprayskirt or whatever, or, as you've found, just running out of steam after a couple hours on the water. But I've also been very lucky to have found, over the years, several excellent, like-minded partners with attitudes and abilities matching my own; this has been a great source of satisfaction, though I still paddle solo roughly half the time. Sea kayaking really isn't for everybody; never was, never will be.

what was your water schedule on the Florida Coast 7 day trip ?

Predicted water, carried water, water use per day...cooking vs drinking water ?

Finally read this topic. Not sure what to say except I've been paddling alone for over 30 years. 1000's of miles, 3 oceans. You get used to it. Now I have kids to join me. Still solo in the winter. No big deal.

MAN'S BEST FRIEND is aN ACR.

Shallow warm sandy paddling is good advice.Better, stable conditions.

I was kidded repeating Washburne's advice on Speiden Channels demons and dragons but the expectation is true. If not realized a novice could beach.

33% paddling thru in balmy summer conditions, then turning the corner into rough paddling. I survive as seaworthy not skilled kayaker.

Almost all reported 110% paddling involve unexpected conditions in areas know for....these expected conditions.

In a related but for me kinda 'what' area. I hear conversation on my practice of turning into the occasional tsunami, at 70-90 degrees. Is this uncool or what ?

7 gallons is the Everglades trip standard With standard comments on boat slugs. Saltaid !

Say what? Boy--have you ever been checked?

UH I forget where the surf class disaster occured...Oregon right ? maybe below the Indian scenic summit ?

You see the parallel ?

No.