In a message dated 98-05-18 11:17:39 EDT, you write: > >> An ACA Instructor is trying to convince me that I need bracing and > >>rolling classes. I have huge problems with spending money on stuff I > can't > >>hold in my hand. (Hey! The govt. paid for my degrees!) > > The attitude/statement above is in my opinion the reason why so many > people > get into trouble on open water. Nothing personal George. > Unfortunately, > I don't disagree with anything you said, Bob. What I would say, however, is different strokes for different folks. Not everyone wants or needs to be an expert in every aspect of any sport. Some folks just like to just paddle around in 'quiet' waters while others like heading out into the rough stuff. IMHO the key is to know your capabilities and limitations and to paddle within them. >> I think the point here is that *with* professional instruction one can increase those limits in an expotential rate. I taught myself how to kayak <whitewater> 20 years ago. There were not very many options for instruction back then. It took me 4 years to learn the roll. Now in our instruction program <ACA> we can *usually* get the student rolling after 3 hours or so in the pool. The concepts of boat support and recovery <brace and roll> are a bit counter-intuitive. The human body does not function well without air. To roll a kayak you need to fip the boat over with your hips *then* and only *then* does your head come out of the water. This is *nearly* impossible to learn without help. The professional instructor can cut this frustrating learning curve down into easy to grasp concepts. Struggle if you wish, but IMHO NOTHING takes the place of PROFESSIONAL INSTRUCTION. Steve Scherrer President ACKS ACA Instructor Trainer Alder Creek Kayak and Canoe 250 NE Tomahawk Island Dr. Portland, Oregon 97217 Web: http://www.aldercreek.com Email: aldercreek_at_aldercreek.com Phone: 503-285-0464 Fax: 503-285-0106 *************************************************************************** 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 Mon May 18 1998 - 08:52:55 PDT
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