dave wrote: >>>So, how would a conversation with a BCU-certification-oriented person go? Badly, I suspect. Also, I would not seek out trips where gnarly overfall-crossings and/or mandatory big-surf-landings are required.<<<< i am puzzled that you think so. above all else, bcu emphasizes matching skill level to conditions, in the interests of a safe and enjoyable day. while for some paddlers that may include very challenging conditions, judgement and seamanship are highly valued, and conservative assessments of conditions, especially awareness of potentially changing weather and sea conditions is as key an element of bcu training as boat skills. >>>Where this lands for me is that "skills-oriented" certification can never assess "judgement." Being way past the youth and strength category, I'll vote for old age and treachery any day as good things for my paddling companions to have.<<<< see above comments. while assessing judgement is more difficult to do consistently, and especially difficult to do briefly, it is not impossible. i too value judgement above skills in my paddling companions, but having the skills widens the choices for us. i am curious as to how bcu training came to be seen by some of you as skill training for hot-shots devoid of sense, as that is contrary to my experience of several different bcu folk in several different settings. regards, george ruta northcountry kayak 518-677-3040 *************************************************************************** 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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