Re: [Paddlewise] Leader Requirements

patrick.maun_at_duffy.com wrote:
> 
> Jackie Fenton wrote:
> >There are some who feel very strongly about keeping the group together.
> >When a paddler disappears over the horizon and out of sight, it's
> >difficult for others to know whether that paddler is ok, might be in
> need
> >of help, whatever.  Also, paddlers that leave the group are not around
> if
> >their assistance might be needed.  [SNIP]
> 
> I agree, when I mean leave the group, I mean actually telling the group
> "I have enjoyed our trip together thus far, but tomorrow I am going to
> paddle to X". Instead of "Screw this crossing and y'all, I'm going this way."
> That would be a blatant disregard for etiquette *and* safety.
> 
> -Patrick

I think a lot depends on the preceived or known skills of the individual
who is saying that he or she is flaking off to go back or some other
place.

A case in point that I got from Chuck Sutherland who was at one point
head of the ACA's Sea Kayaking Committee (when they had one).  He told
me of leading a group of paddlers for a night paddle into Long Island
Sound off the Connecticut coast.  He had insisted that all the paddlers
have had some level of proficiency.  A father and son showed up in a
double boat.  He didn't like the way they looked but they seemed to have
had all the gear, etc.  The group went out and it soon became apparent
that the father and son (I may have the relationship wrong here) were
not going to be able to keep up at all and were pretty much complete
novices.  Chuck, at about a few hundred yards off shore, made the
decision that they should go back.  Anticipating what he was relating, I
piped up "Oh, so you sent them back, good decision!"  Chuck corrected
me, "Ralph, are you nuts!  No, I wouldn't do that!  I _escorted_ them
back until I could see they were on land."  I know he was right.  If
they were as clueless as they seemed they may have gotten lost even at
that short of a distance.  I can't recall if the whole group came back
or mostly did, before than heading off again.

ralph diaz
-- 
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Ralph Diaz . . . Folding Kayaker newsletter
PO Box 0754, New York, NY 10024
Tel: 212-724-5069; E-mail: rdiaz_at_ix.netcom.com
"Where's your sea kayak?"----"It's in the bag."
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