Cheez Whiz
Published January 1, 2008 | 
And so we are told this is the golden age
And gold is the reason for the wars we wage
Though I want to be with you
To be with you night and day.
Nothing changes on New Year’s Day.
- u2
Cheez Whiz is one of those things that may seem good at first glance but once you start really thinking about it is maybe not such a good idea. Sort of like Ron Judd’s Article in the Seattle Times a couple days ago. "Finally, a sort-of-kayak-that pleases the body and the wallet". Ron went shopping for a kayak. Thing was, he hated sea kayaks because he "felt like he was wearing it, not riding on it". He also hated the fact that kayaks built for big guys like him could be "17 feet or longer". Well, kayakers know of course that a sea kayak is supposed to feel like you are wearing it and that the length has to do with speed much more than volume. There are a myriad number of 12 foot kayaks that would fit Ron’s (american football) linebackers frame. I can appreciate much of what he says in the article and rec boats and sit-on-tops certainly are the best choice for many people. The thing is I’d have suggested a bit more research so at least the facts would be a bit more accurate. I mean, he’s in Seattle. . there has to be someone there who knows something about kayaks. You hate to have some dude telling novices that sea kayaks are " sea coffins".
There there is this from "The Age" "Admire bravery, but consider the cost". Haven’t we been over this already? Risk is an inherent part of life. To suggest that a paddler, adventurer, test pilot or whatever is selfish assumes way too much. No one who takes on any adventure is assuming they are going to die. In fact most do not. With that in mind the author is suggesting it is selfish to take on anything with inhertent or possible risk. Well that could include starting a business, driving to work, immigrating
The thing about New Year’s Day is you can be pretty sure that whatever happens will just a slight variation of what happened the year before. It has to be, all the same knuckleheads are still here! Oh well, nothing we can’t handle with a bit of optimisim, a big screen TV, and a bucket of cheese whiz.
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4 Responses to Cheez Whiz
Well there is something to be said for resposibility also!
You have a wife and child Derrick (i think?) I dont see you going off to Greenland to paddle it solo? You did PR with a partner and a support team right? You rolled the dice but they were loaded in your favor.
Andrew rolled the dice and lost. Very very unfortunate! But he also rolled the dice for his wife and child and lost for them as well. Even more unfortunate I feel! This is where I feel reponsibility comes in. Responsibility to your family. I can feel that way and voice my oppinion about it. I would have done it to Andrew face to face. I on the other hand feel its great that people like to go off and do great expeditions around things in kayaks but you do have responsibility to your children to provide them with a parent.
You are certainly right that responsibility is important in our decision making. Nothing wrong with voicing that. A responsible person will of course do everything they can to load the odds in their favor. There is also an issue of skill and experience. I loaded everything to my favor based on my skill level. But I can think of a lot of ways we could have died in PR. Came sort of close a couple times. Andrew being more skilled and experienced, did the same at his skill level. I don’t doubt for a second that everyone involved thought they did everything possible for success. The question revolves around the decision to even try something involves risk.
Thing is, in anything we attempt there is risk and responsibility. My question is should we decide to just stay home, make a good wage, save for retirement and fade away when our time comes? I think some people just can’t do that. They are not wired that way. Is it always irresponsible to take measured risks?
I agree to a point! As risking your life and loseing in a 1500 mile solo kayak trip for what?? I think Andrew was an excitement junkie. Thats just my oppinion from reading his bio. Great! But his wife and child are paying for this now and for many years. Egos lead us down some very very shaky roads Derrick! Egos to be well known! Egos to be the first to cross this water ect. Egos to be film stars. Egos to be whatever! Kayaking is becomeing the next big big sports deal! So being first is important to some people. Make there mark, make there name. Plus of course there is the commercial angle! Books, films, blogs ect ect ect. No I dont want people to stay home and be safe! I dont! But risking it all for Name and Fame is Pure Ego thats all.
” My question is should we decide to just stay home, make a good wage, save for retirement and fade away when our time comes?”
Yeah, I can see your point of view for sure.