>> I believe this to be the major challenge for the industry. Currently there appears to be very little in the way of modifying behaviour among novice paddlers (or experienced paddlers for that matter). >> I can think of some ways: (1) Setting an example. (2) Setting safety standards and guidelines (applies only to clubs). (3) General education. (4) Trading experiences (e.g., Deep Trouble). None of these are guaranteed to work, of course. Experience, whether direct or indirect, tends to be the best teacher -- if you survive it -- hence item 4. In the Twin Cities Sea Kayaking Club we are attempting to establish trip rating guidelines and safety rules with regard to equipment, skills, and procedures. One idea that we haven't gotten around to yet is to create procedural guidelines for potential trip leaders. Another is to create a checklist of sample questions to help a leader evaluate would-be members of a trip over the phone. Some people do not appear to be very realistic. The biggest objections so far to these plans have come from one of our least skilled members who most needs them. Hopefully, the threat of not being allowed to go on a trip will spur some people into acquiring the skills they need. >> Incidentally, some time back on the CPA list I published a method of evaluating sea kayaking conditions (sort of an open water rating guide like the whitewater ratings of rapids) but it got lost in a computer crash. If anyone still has it in a file (I know, who would want to keep my stuff on file?) or knows of someone who does I would like to get a copy. >> I would like to see it, too. Currently we are using the rating system developed by George Gronseth and others on the West Coast, with modifications for river trips, but maybe yours is better. Chuck Holst *************************************************************************** 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 Fri Apr 17 1998 - 14:44:16 PDT
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