I started In Watertribe because it was an extreme challenge in my sport. One where I was responsible for my own knowledge, skill, and safety. And as such I trained and continue to train for all aspect. I knew it was dangerous, I knew I could die, and all that made it even more interesting and exciting for me. This was never intended to be a monitored or supported event, guaranteeing you a safe vacation.
There were some rules. Not because RM was responsible for my safety or yours, but because people cheat. Getting help during a challenge, not really having the right gear, not being prepared, not being an expert in your sport. I've seen cheaters in these challenges and the Derby since it all started. And I still see cheaters. Rules put us all on the same playing field. Too many rules, redefine what we are.
We didn't start with have Spots, we had 24 hr check in. This was more about YOU taking responsibility to let your family know,where you were and that you were safe (so they wouldn't be calling RM all the time) and so RM kind of knew where folks were on the course and when to close down the check points. We didn't have previous challengers tracts to copy to make it easy. In fact, before SPOT, challengers never shared campsites and routes, and they also never asked. Kind of hard to be stealthy when 10 others show up at your previously used and camp published on old Spot tracks. I've always wanted Chief to remove tracks from a previous challenge. If your not going to do your own work, you don't belong here
RM has always said YOU are responsible for your own safety, they are not. They even say, We will not help you if you need help. This is the Watertribe way. This WAS an unsupported, you are on your own, challenging, extreme, expedition. Why are you doing this, if your not up for this challenge.
Where the hell have all these WHINERS who call themselves a member of this Tribe come from? When did some of you redefine or never really understand what Watertribe is and what it means, some of you have even done a few races over the past few years and you still don't seem to get it. There are some who can't take the time to figure out their own navigation that they actually ask on the forum for tracks and routes and camping spots. Are you kidding me? Folks expecting RM to teach you how to use safety gear when you are the supposed expert. Are you kidding me? Folks (I refuse to identify them as Tribers) who admit on forum to not having paddling or sailing experience at night before an event, not practicing skills in high winds, in rough conditions. You are kidding yourself about your expert status.
Certifications should not be required. But you have no business calling yourself an expert if your a kayaker/canoer without an ACA L4 or BCU 4* skill set in high winds, surf, and rough water, you don't need a certification to be skilled. Sailers should have the equivalent skill set in their craft, with lots of rescue and self rescue practice. There is nothing advanced or expert about practice without your fully loaded craft and in conditions, it is not impossible to arrange practice like this in a safe way.
Should RM have gotten a permit? Well unfortunately the size of our challenge will now likely require this, and I guess should have, because some rules are often to satisfy other authorities who want to take over. But I don't want rules to satisfy a Tribers sense of safety. This is NOT safe. If your not accepting this as life threatening, and dangerous and extreme, you never belonged here. If you thought your SPOT or EPIRB made it safer for you, then you are ignorant, sure it'll call for help, doesn't mean it'll get there or in time.
The bigger problem in my opinion is too many people signing up for excitement, yet always thinking someone was watching their back. Being unprepared, not having the appropriate knowledge and practiced experience. What do I think we really need to do? less rules, less formality, don't let the whiners in. Don't redefine WaterTribe.
And another thing while I'm on it. No one forced you to write that check. No where does it say that check guarantees you anything but an unsafe and dangerous challenge with a good dinner and party at the end. If it's too expensive for you, for that, don't do it. No where are you guaranteed anything but a dinner.
Dawn