This was the second Float Your Boat I've attended, and I think it's a great event. If you're thinking of buying a boat, canoe, or kayak, but would like to try one out before spending the money only to find out that you don't like it, or in my case, that it doesn't like you (more about that later), you should come to this event. I'd like to thank Ed for putting everything together, and for taking so much time out of his fishing to save my sorry butt. Also, I'd like to thank Joe for bringing out the Coosa and allowing me to flip it in the lake...twice. In my defense, the event is called Float Your Boat, and I proved that the kayak floats on both sides. How many of you can say that? Heck, I'd even like to thank the random passer-by who saw me fall in, called 911, then spent some time lecturing Ed and me on the physics of a high center of gravity, a lesson that becomes crystal clear in that split second between realizing that you've leaned over too far and actually hitting the water.
On a serious note, I'd like to encourage everyone to wear a PFD whenever you're on the water. No matter how good a swimmer you think you are, you never know what situation you're going to face. I once heard Chauncey say that we wear PFD's not for ourselves, but for our loved ones, who are waiting for us to return safely from an outing. My old SOSpenders brand fired perfectly, brought me back up to the surface quickly, and allowed me to gather my wits with no fear of being in danger.
Finally, since I lost a rod and reel at last year's event and fell out of a kayak at this one, I'd like to appeal to someone to bring a watercraft that's a bit broader across the beam to next year's event. I'm thinking something along the line of a pontoon boat, or perhaps an aircraft carrier. I'm pretty sure I won't be able to tip one of those, although on some perverse level, I'd like to try. So maybe you shouldn't bring your new pontoon boat or aircraft carrier.
Have a great summer, and I'll see you at a future event.
John