The following response to Chuck'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 Date: Mon, 16 Feb 1998 17:09:37 EST To: Robert_at_Starling.Com Subject: Re: [Paddlewise] BCU Proficiency Award The four star award certifies that you have acquired the skill, experience, and have the proper equipment to paddle for the day in conditions of up to 17 knots of wind, 3 foot surf, and a 3 knot tidal currents as a member of a group led by a competent leader. No chicken and egg here. All paddling at or above one's skill level should be conducted under the supervision of a more experienced paddler and leader. The BCU provides a very structured system of checks and balances to ensure that all training and instruction is accomplished in definable steps and in controlled conditions. Every paddling experience would be considered a form of training until one passes an assessment. You get the experience by paddling with more experienced paddlers. Even an instruction session should have a contingency plan should conditions deteriorate-the safety of the group is of primary importance. The 4-star award should only be awarded to someone who has not only aquired the technical skills but much more importantly developed the seamanship and judgement to prevent unnecessary risks at that level. There is no shortcut to this end-the experience is acquired thru training sessions. Sea Kayaker Magazine is full of articles about paddlers who have gotten into situations way over their heads-the consequences aren't always pleasant. To specifically answer the question-the criteria for taking people on open water trips who aren't suitablly experienced-YOU DON'T! Scott B Willaims ________________________________________________________ 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 *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net ***************************************************************************
The BCU info on the Atlantic Coast Kayak Tours is interesting (http://members.aol.com/kayaktours/). I think these guidelines present a good standard on sea kayaking skill that can be easily measured by others. For this reason alone, it is quite worthwhile, but I would expect it could be also quite useful for hiring kayaks in foreign countries. One of my friends who paddled 1800 mi along the outer coast of British Columbia and Alaska once had a devil of a time renting a kayak in New Zealand... I have a couple of questions however that maybe will be answered here as well. 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? Thanks a bunch! kevin /--------------------------------------------\ /---------------------------\ |Something there is that doesn't love a wall | Kevin Whilden | |That sends the frozen-ground-swell under it | kwhilden_at_u.washington.edu | |And spills the upper boulders in the sun | Dept. of Geologic Science | |And makes gaps that even two can pass abreast| University of Washington | | -- Robert Frost |(206)543-1975(w) 632-5140(h)| \--------------------------------------------/ \---------------------------/ *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net ***************************************************************************
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