Dave and I did a lap around the Diamonds on Tuesday night. The fog threatened a bit but it held off while we paddled. The bay was calm. It was a great night for kayaking.

We shared beach space with another group of paddlers from MOAC. They were headed toward Mackworth Island. Except for one paddler who didn't have a complete paddle. There were the same sides to two different paddles. That meant the two halves - which normally connect - couldn't click together.

It was the kind of mistake that reminded me of the time I completely forgot to bring a paddle. I avoid that these days by keeping all my paddles in my car until snow starts falling.

I felt really bad. Especially when asked if anyone had a spare. And there I stood with my homemade traditional paddle in one hand and the two parts to my Euro-blade in the other. But I didn't share for a few reasons.

At the heart of it was that we were headed in opposite directions. My "spare" paddle for this trip was actually an expensive birthday gift. Dave didn't have a spare either. If either of us had a paddle emergency, we would be out of luck. Plus I was a bit tentative about my new paddle. I wasn't sure how I would do in choppy conditions with it. I wanted the backup in case I had problems.

So I was a jerk and kept my paddle. But there were four other kayakers in that group. None of them had a spare.

I really can't be harsh about someone who forgets a piece of equipment. I do it too often. That happens.

But other people made a decision not to bring a second paddle at all. They didn't even have the option of being helpful. Why was I the only one on East End Beach with a spare?

Because I needed it. There was a day we were off the coast of Mount Desert Island, and I broke my paddle. The seas were calm. All I was doing was very light forward stroke. And the blade broke. I blame the three years of use and abuse by my hands. The important thing was that I had a spare. There is no way I would have guessed that day I would have needed it.

Tuesday night, I was guessing I might need it. And no I didn't. Nothing broke. I felt fairly comfortable with the new paddle. Dave didn't need a spare either. And no one in the Mackworth group (those who were able to launch their boats) needed a spare either.

So why is it a big deal?

1) You may be planning a trip with someone like me who forgets to bring any sort of paddle.

2) All those times you use your paddle to push off from shore and various rocks may catch up with you.

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