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 *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net ***************************************************************************
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