Re: [Paddlewise] Leader Requirements

Jackie Fenton wrote:
[SNIP]
>I can also understand the need of some clubs to
>establish some trip rules and ask for waivers if someone is representing

>the club in an outing.  I wouldn't really care whether waivers were used

>or not, as long as the club is incorporated. [SNIP]

>Those rules should be presented 
>before the trip.  Rules such as no one will leave the group, everyone 
>will wear a pfd (or no one will wear a pfd depending on your club :-),
>everyone will carry glow sticks at night, everyone will have a whistle,
>etc..  

Good points Jackie,

The only part I'd disagree with is the "no one will leave the group"
thing.  I do agree with waivers and think that they are a great opportunity
for outlining trip rules. Currently, to take part in a club trip (Twin
Cities Sea Kayak Association), a member must show that they can execute a
wet-exit and paddlefloat  re-entry, and must have all the basic equipment (by
basic I mean PFD, paddlefloat, whistle).  

I think the trick here is to define the differences between leader and
organizer/coordinator. Should a organizer be BCU or ACA certified? I don't
think so.  This is one of the debates going on in our club. I am an
intermediate kayaker. I am not certified by anyone but have taken an
ACA-certified course. I have taken several CPR courses, but not since 8th grade and I
hear that CPR has been updated (has the human respiratory system changed
or what?). Should this exclude me from organizing a beginning trip, say a
class I river trip in waters I am familiar with? I don't think so. 

Debate?

-Patrick

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