Obese People and Water Sports

[liveonearth]

It is my observation that very large individuals LOVE to get in the water. It is the only time that they are weightless... Fat people float really well and don't get cold too fast in cold water. When I used to guide lots of paddle raft trips the trick was to let the fat people swim in the river, but then to find a place where they could climb up on a rock and straddle the tube to get back in. Pulling a 500 pound person into a raft from deep water is difficult, and can injure their shoulders or your back.

Here's today's story about a very large man who went tubing:
http://www.twincities.com/allheadlines/ci_6394709?nclick_check=1

Comments

[neptunia67.livejournal.com]

I want to read the article but it's making me set up an account.. any chance you might post the content here?

I have always floated effortlessly. I'm sure it's because I have plenty of body fat, and big lungs! ;-)

[liveonearth.livejournal.com]

Oh, now I can't get in there either. The link was sent to me by an old raft guiding buddy, and the 500 lb guy who went tubing and got separated from his group and couldn't get out of the water on his own power for a day or so. Eventually they sent a 3-canoe rig to get him and were successful.