Re: [Paddlewise] Guide Training

SGScorpio_at_aol.com writes:

In a message dated 98-02-16 12:17:37 EST, CHUCK_at_multitech.com writes:

<< Does instructor training also equip one to be a guide,   or is that a
separate, if related, discipline that deserves its own   program? >>

>IMHO seperate.  While instructor training emphasizes teaching technique in a
>controlled environment, guiding usually involves leading people in a variety
>of conditions.  The most challenging situations I have encountered have always
>been in guiding, not instructing.  Students usually know what is to be
>expected of them in a class.  Clients on a trip may be asked to handle
>conditions that were unexpected.  (ie: weather, surf etc.)  We teach both.
>The instructor is much easier to train than the guide.  
>Steve Scherrer
>President Alder Creek Kayak and Canoe

and i would have to agree, being both an instructor and a guide occasionally.
when teaching, my students are given a [bunch!!] hand out about what to 
expect, what we will cover, what to bring, etc, etc... i generally teach the
basic courses, and go under the assumption the students know nothing. when
guiding on the other hand, [also depending on _why_ i'm guiding/leading]
everyone shows up at a designated site, and unless i've taught or paddled
with someone, i _really_ don't know their experience level. _i_ don't lead
any trips over class II for the RMCC, because of people's representaions of
their skill levels. we had the same issue when teaching the advanced classes.
the RMCC finally had to say "OUR intro courses ARE the prerequisites" as many
people would say "oh yeah, i did that course with XXX" and they showed up
totally unprepared/unexperienced. so to add "quality control" we had to say
the prereq., was a course from one of our club instructors.

mark


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mark zen                      o,    o__              o_/|   o_.
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