As an inland paddler that has done several extended trips I would like to make the following comments. 1) The most important point is never put yourself or others in a position where you might need rescued by outside agencies. Each person should be responsible for them self and not put others in jeopardy. That does not mean you don't take chances but be prepared to rescue yourself without assistance. 2) The leader of a trip should lead and advise the group and be responsive to the group and their abilities. As leader in a disaster response organization I make it clear that my decisions are made with the safety of the group in mind so no one gets hurt. I have requested trip leaders make changes for safety reasons and when they have not I have turned back for my own safety. 3) Novices tend to be overconfident Esp. in new situations. I make sure that I brief all participants fully on what is expected and under what circumstances we will turn back or change the trip itinerary. I also stress that each person is responsible for them self. This tends to make folks think twice about taking needless chances. I also designate a buddy system and no one is to explore with out their buddies. I group paddlers together with folks of equal ability with one designated as the lead. All paddlers must be able to wet exit and do a basic 2 person rescue before going on an actual point to point trip. Dave Engel-- Spectrum S The freedom to fail is the same as the freedom to succeed-- Exercise the freedom *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************Received on Sat Feb 28 1998 - 20:35:58 PST
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