Chuck Holst wrote: > > >> > 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 is guaranteed to work, of course. Experience, whether > direct or indirect, tends to be the best teacher -- if you survive it > -- hence item 4. [major snip] One can teach basic safety techniques and practices to newcomers, and can get a fair "conversion," so that they will bring essential gear and avoid common pitfalls on the water. That's not so tough. And even those who scorn "safe" habits can be shamed a little to at least bring the gear on group paddles needed for self-rescue, etc. Good judgement ... the stuff which helps people avoid problems ... I do not think it can be taught. You can teach yourself a little, and it helps a lot to model good judgement by hanging out with (and carefully observing) old salts. But, the bottom line is that the capacity to work out the "what ifs" is a pretty high-order cognitive talent, and not everybody gets there. (Yeah, I know, that's an elitist view. Sorry about that.) Even so, it's worthwhile to encourage its development -- through interaction with others on trips in the field, mainly. Classroom stuff is pretty ineffective, especially talking at people. I think Chuck's "experience" comment is on the money, especially "guided experience," where paddlers cautiously test the limits. I am thinking of some of the hairy stuff Derek Hairon has detailed in his "fog" descriptions. Woof. -- Dave Kruger Astoria, OR very old teacher *************************************************************************** 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 - 20:29:23 PDT
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