Re: [Paddlewise] virtual memberships (was peception eclipse)

Not to be the wet blanket here, but I'd be a little cautious about trying to
do too much with regards to skill levels.  One person's "easy" is another's
"moderate" or even "difficult" - very hard to pick a system that's always
going to work, be accurate, etc.  It seems better to stay with objective
information as much as possible.  For example, is the area one that has a
reputation for sudden weather changes, known problems under certain wind
direction/speed, or tide conditions, etc?   Is it an area known for
particular (or an area which commonly or often experiences) steep/shallow
swells of x size, etc. ?

Other advantages of avoiding a ranking of skill levels is that it helps to
"level the field" where a guide might involve entries from several
contributors.  Also,  what if the guide rates an area that commonly
experiences 2 foot swells "easy," some novice comes in, panics, gets in
trouble, and decides to make an issue of how the rating really should have
been "intermediate"?  Steering clear of skills levels and just saying "1-2
foot swells common under wind conditions of less than 10 mph" (or whatever)
avoids all those problems and still lets the paddler know that they'd better
be comfortable with a little wave action if they want to paddle there.  It
also might help a person determine, regardless of paddler skill level, as to
whether an area is likely to provide the opportunity for that quiet paddle
or a little surfing on a particular day.

Whew! Sorry for the length.  Just my nickel's worth......


-----Original Message-----
From: Gabriel L Romeu <romeug_at_erols.com>
To: Saul Kinderis <saul_at_isomedia.com>
Cc: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net <paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net>
Date: Tuesday, October 20, 1998 12:08 AM
Subject: Re: [Paddlewise] virtual memberships (was peception eclipse)


>Saul Kinderis wrote:
>>
>> You would probably also want to address what skill level would be
>> recommended as well as any other safety considerations not covered by you
>> other items.
>
>Yes Saul, important consideration.
>
>> >costs
>> >
>> >Is this of any use?  other parameters?  would anybody contribute once
>> >this is established? thanks, gabriel
>> >
>> >
>> >
>Gabriel L Romeu
>http://users.aol.com/romeug   ------->   furniture
>http://users.aol.com/romeugp  --->   paintings, prints, photos + stuff
>http://members.xoom.com/gabrielR -->   a daily journal of observations
>
>
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