Re: [Paddlewise] Re Kayaking safety

Robert C. Perkins said:
> 
> Jennifer Joy  wrote:
>      >What about NOC!?!>!?!
>      >You live in NC and you are complaining about instructors? My goodness.
>      >You are in the heart of ww boater land. I have no idea where your
> particular city is,
>      >but it sure as heck beats plane fare."
> 
> I just have to share this chuckle.  I'm located in Fayetteville in
> southeastern North Carolina.  NOC is situated in the far western tip of the
> state.  By the best available route, it's 325 miles from Fayetteville to
> Bryson City.  A substantial chunk of that mileage is not interstate, so
> it's a long trip for me.
> 
> One of the reasons I gave up trying to do whitewater is the fact that I'm
> so far away from good WW.  Another reason is that I enjoy exploring
> blackwater rivers and swamps.  I chose my Dagger Meridian in part because
> it has the maneuverability needed on rivers that twist and turn.

Let me say a few things:

1. It is bad netiquette to post private comments publicly without 
asking.

2. ww instruction is very valuable, even if you never paddle ww, it
teaches you fundamentals that will stick with you the rest of your
paddling life (IMO!!).  For those who have never done it, beginning
ww paddling is often about strokes on flat water, transitioning
those strokes to easy moving water.  Rolling is sometimes a part of
this, and sometimes it is a separate piece.  WW instructors are
often good roll teachers because they have taught so many people.

3. I'm from Texas (though I spent 5 years in Massachusetts).  Driving
does not bother me.  I will travel to great length (been to Seattle
already :) for good instruction.  As Robert from Florida said -- good
instruction is truly worth it.  My addition -- bad instruction can
really mess you up.   Find instruction which matches your personality
and learning style -- and go for it.   Then practice.  Lather, rinse,
repeat. :) 

jennifer
[when you're on the fencing team you learn the meaning of the word
road trip]

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