HELP ME

As a rule we paddlers are an independent bunch. We eschew assistance in any but the direst of circumstances. It sometimes seems we must wait until some one is no longer physically capable of refusing help before assistance is allowed.  “Hey dude, I see you’re throwing up blood. You want I should get the other end of the boat?  No? You got it? Okay. I’ll just check back after you pass out. ”

Most of us pride ourselves in our ability to pick up and load our boats by ourselves.  Boats are more awkward than heavy, unless you just spent the last several hours paddling. Some folks, get quit annoyed if you try to help them.  Fair enough. Unexpected help can cause injuries. Always ask first. Always.  

Now, having said that, always ask if you can help. Also I’d encourage you to ask for help loading your boat. We go to great lengths to prevent injuries while paddling. It is really stupid to injure ourselves loading boats and gear.  At least if you are hurt paddling you’ll have good story. Heck, they might even name a rapid after you, Lamar’s Jaw Breaker or Mike’s Face Plant Rock.  I have never ever seen a take out or a parking lot named after some one injured loading their boat. No, there is no “Robert’s Ruptured Disc Parking Lot” nor is there a Stan’s Field Suture Canoe Launch. It never happens.

Don’t think that asking for help is unmanly.  It is not.  Asking for directions is unmanly but asking for help loading or unloading a boat is too logical to be unmanly.  Further more, we guys can learn from the ladies. They are masters of less stressful ways to get the boat from the ground to the car top. A lady, let’s call her Marvine, taught me a clever trick while helping me recently. She suggested we count to three before lifting the boat above our heads.  Note that both people have to count at the same time or this doesn’t work. Don’t ask me or Robert how we know. We just know.

It is okay to ask for help. Next time someone asks if they can help and you start to say, “I got it”, think “I get it” instead and take the hand. Then help them with their boat. Take care of yourselves and take care of each other. Don’t let this day be the only one you paddle this year because of back problems or other injuries.