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However, I've come to respect how little it takes to tip a canoe, especially a tandem, where you don't have control of the other person's body and reactions (another good reason for a solo).

Yeah, as a solo paddler most of the time, you gotta do something really dumb to flip a canoe on flat water - there's no help - blame. Somehow I feel like I'm an expert 'cause I did it all on my own on my first or second spring trip.

Years later in august w/ my own boat, I went out (with the PFD ON) and tried to flip it in a moderate surf blowing into a sandy beach. I couldn't do it! Seriously, and I'd never paddle that boat empty any any other time. It's tippy when empty. My timing is bad though and with more experience I think I could use a wave to flip it. I could fall out and it would take on some water but I guess canoes vary wildly in what it takes to actually flip one. My nemesis was oil canned and I got out once I realized what was happening. Canoe design has come a long way.

My favorite time of year to do a trip is Spring and it's what I know best, when it freeken hurts to wash your hands in the lake. Wearing a PFD in spring would be a waste of time if paddling the same courses I now do in august. That's why I say they give a false sense of security. Hey, be careful out there! The livin is easy in August.

Yes, wearing one is good but consider it just another tool in the drawer. You wear your placebo and hooray that's grate ;) but think of what happens after you pull that tool out of that drawer and actually use it. How fast can you swim in it.... Then what? How long can you bob around and wait for help to paddle up and rescue your butt.

Take away? Confidence is no excuse for complacency any more than wisdom trumps knowledge. Yeah, I'm old get confused all the time. Just think a few moves ahead so when mother nature says "Check" your next move is a given.