Re: [Paddlewise] BCU 5 Star

I apologize for the tardy comment on this thread, but I just reviewed my
email.  Regarding Scott William's reply to Kevin's question, a point of
clarification:

While successful assessment of BCU 4 Star and a logbook are required for 5
Star training, said training and assessment must occur in "British
Conditions", meaning those sea charaistics which approximate or are
equivalant to those found in and around the United Kingdom.  Successful
training and assessment is not dependent on a geographic definition.  Check
with Great River Outfitters or Atlantic Kayak Tours, you'll note that both
offer BCU sanctioned 5 Star training in very disparate geographic locations,
neither of which is in the UK .

From: Robert Starling <Robert_at_Starling.Com>
To: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net <paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net>
Date: Tuesday, February 17, 1998 2:55 PM


>Kevin Whilden wrote:
>
>>1. If I believe that I already possess the necessary skill and judgement,
>can I jump directly to level 5 exam and not spend money/time on the lower
>levels?
>
>>2. Is there a certification program in the Pacific Northwest, perhaps in
>Vancouver, BC?
>
>***************************************************************************
*
>************
>The following response to Kevin's posting is from Scott Williams, BCU Coach
>Level 3.  I am posting it at his request.
>***************************************************************************
*
>************
>
>Return-Path: <SWKAYAKS_at_aol.com>
>From: SWKAYAKS_at_aol.com (Scott Williams)
>Date: Tue, 17 Feb 1998 10:27:29 EST
>Subject: Re:  Re: [Paddlewise] BCU Proficiency (Scott Williams)
>
>
>In response to question #1:
>
>I quote from the BCU directory " The purpose of this test is to ensure that
>the successful candidate has sufficient knowledge and
>skill to LEAD others of adequate ability on sea journeys, up to and
>including advanced level, with safety, in BRITISH conditions. This award is
>intended for paddlers who journey on the sea in areas where tidal races,
>headlands, open crossings, swell and challenging coastlines may be
encountered."
>
>Some of the requirements for training and assessment for 5-star include:
>
>"the candidate must already hold the BCU 4-star test"
>"the candidate must document a minimum of six journeys on the open
>sea...involved a variety of different conditions"
>
>While considerable experience can be gained in North America-the intent of
>the 5-star award is to establish not only personal skills but the
experience
>to be responsible for others in similar conditions. As described by the BCU
>standards-it's necessary for a candidate to paddle in Great Britain to gain
>the required experience and training.
>
>To answer your second question:
>
>I don't believe the is a regular BCU coaching program ongoing in the
Northwest.
>
>Regards,
>Scott
>
>
>________________________________________________________
>Robert Starling                                              Member ASMP /
APSG
>Robert Starling Photography, Inc.
>Orlando, Florida
>
>Phone 407 521-0041      Fax  407 521-0031
>
>http://www.starling.com     NetGuide Magazine  Internet Site Of The Day
>
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