Can you swim

[piemma]

Learned to swim when I was 8 in the Boy Scouts. My old man threw me in the deep end of the pool at the Wansket Boys Club one night on an outing.
Learned better survival skills in SF training in the Service.
I knew I could save my own a$$ but wasn't sure about saving others until I saved 2 kids in Florida about 20 years ago in the cut between Sanibel and Captive Islands.

[bloocrab]

Swimming takes on a new meaning when you have those bulky style korkers on, along with waders, a loose belt and an $800 reel.

I think a better question is ...when the time comes to decide to lessen the load, will you do it in time?

When you get swept off that rock and can't find solid footing, will you be quick enough to kick off your korkers, will you give up your possessions before it's too late?

I'd have to guess NO, as most will think they will find that necessary footing in time to get back up...as the pull of the next wave takes them further away from the rock-pile possibly lifting them up...only to drop them violently against it.

It's one thing to think about what you'd do from behind your keyboard...it's another to actually live through it, and believe you did the right thing by giving up your gear.

I for one, will have a hard time giving up the gear...so when you read about me in the Obituaries....it was because I wouldn't give up my gear to King Neptune.


...but back to your question, YES....I can swim, and truly feel comfortable when in the water in the right attire. Have to say though, I never tried swimming in waders with heavy boots on, while holding my gear. .....although swimming neked scares me the most....

[Back Beach]

Almost like a fish, but have never had to save anyone's life.

Situational awareness has a huge impact on how well you actually apply your swimming skills though. First time in wet suit swimming to a distant rock I was hyperventilating once I reached the rock as there were many factors beyond just swimming involved which I hadn't considered.

[eskimo]

I swim often. Both with a wetsuit and just for fun.
I always get a urge to head out to float around on warm bright days, usually not far from the places I frequent at night.

take away the daylight and add gear along with other elements and its definitely no comparison.