| Location: Cat Ba Island, Ha Long Bay, Vietnam |
| It's a long paddle down the fiord, through the cave and to the end of the Phong, so we deserve a swimming break, easy in Sit-On-Tops designed for tropical weather.
There's a lot of silly dissension from decked boat kayakers over Sit-On-Tops, but what it really comes down to is the paddling environment.
In northern cold-water climates, a decked boat protects the paddler from the elements. It's best to wear exposure gear and a life vest in those waters.
In tropical climates, decked boats don't make much sense. Since everybody in this photo swims, why risk hyperthermia by wearing life vests in the tropical heat!
A white water official jumped into our sea kayaking discussion group demanding everybody wear life vests at all times, even in tropical conditions. I asked when I could take my vest off to go swimming in conditions like this photo — in the boat before I go swimming, as I am rolling out, or once I am swimming.
He called me an "irresponsible — - — - — - -!" A Florida Keys kayaker asked him how many times he paddled in the ocean. His sheepish reply came back, "I have seen the ocean once from the shore, but I've never paddled in the sea”.
We do have a strict policy that while non-swimmers are welcome, they must wear a life vest at all times.
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