>> 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/ ***************************************************************************
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/ ***************************************************************************
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