[Paddlewise] Apology re: Unintended Bashing of Outfitters

A few days ago, I wrote, in response to Ralph's plea for water temp
criteria:

> Not a club member or an outfitter (thank God!).  Have spent a lot of time
> bodysurfing in the ocean, though, so I can speak from the "fully-immersed"
> perspective.

[snip] And then later:

> A thought:  public, "official" pronouncements of club officials, and the
> like, are likely to be more conservative than their actual practice,
> liability litigation being as popular as it is.

Wayne Langmaid took me to task off-list for bashing outfitters (and club
leaders).  It took me a while to understand how offensive my remarks could
be.  So this is an apology to Wayne and other outfitters -- who don't need
me bashing them!

The "thank God!" was in thanks that I do not take on the responsibility
club leaders and outfitters do.  For the record, I did a *little* guiding
when I was a climber, and was very uncomfortable at it.  I just do not
handle the responsibility well -- and did not enjoy cheerleading clients. 
Grumpy Dave.  I respect folks who can handle it well.

The last paragraph on "pronouncments" was NOT intended to suggest that
outfitters are duplicitous -- saying one thing and doing another.  I was
trying to infer that outfitters probably tend to err on the side of caution
when describing what their clients might need to bring on trips, expecting
conditions to be better than their "worst case" advice suggests.  Then,
when the water is easier/warmer than the worst case, they can adjust their
advice *to fit the conditions.*

Anyway, no intent to pick on outfitters.  Have not met a bad one yet.

-- 
Dave Kruger
Astoria, OR


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