Good judgement
From KayakWiki
Good Judgement is one of the foremost factors in maintaining your Safety on the water. It best gained through experience. Experience is often hard-earned as a result of poor judgement.
It is difficult for a novice kayaker to know just what risks may be encountered on a typical paddling trip. It is a very good idea to paddle in unfamiliar situations or areas with an experienced paddler who is able and willing to point out the potential risky situations.
Hypothermia, Current, Waves, Wind, and Weather all pose risks to kayakers, and an experienced kayaker with Good Judgement has the ability to predict, avoid, minimize, and deal with those risks.
Good Judgement isn't something that can be directly taught or learned. It must be developed. Every time you're out paddling, rather than simply plodding along, fat, dumb, and happy, challenge yourself to consider any and all risks you might encounter. What would I do? If you don't know what you might do with a hypothetical risk, ask an experienced paddler, then work to develop your own skills, reactions, and knowledge to deal with that risk
You must also develop a good understanding of the actual capabilities you possess now, and not just your hypothetical abilities. Go paddling with more experienced paddlers who can "watch your back". Push the envelope--push your comfort level. Get out and test your reactions to being tossed around in the surf zone while wearing a drysuit. Are you claustrophobic? Do you go into a 'coma' like state the first time you are dunked in sub 40 degree water (wetsuit or not)? See what your reactions and abilities truly are, if you find a weakness, work to develop stronger skills and responses. Now, can you give a better response to What would I do??
