Additional note on 'Meet up' groups
Posted by: shirlann
on Feb-09-13 9:00 AM (EST)
If they have a local website, check out some of their photos.
I hooked up with one in lower Michigan and it appeared, to me, what I considered a lack of any emphasis on safety. Many of them didn't wear a PFD ("if the waters not deep, why wear one?") nor pushed for the use of any. I know many have their own views on this subject, when on small rivers, but there are always strainers and sweepers even on these bodies of waters.
Personally, this can show lack of knowledge should anyone get into a predicament, such as, a paddler get snagged on debris along the shore or from underwater.