Re: [Paddlewise] Pool Sessions

Michael,and others holding this view:

Kind of harsh, but you do have a point. However, there are a lot of easy
beginner routes for the non athletic paddlers. Hopefully, these individuals
will work toward a better level of general fitness as they progress and find
encouragement and confidence. The context of my original question was that
of a club situation, where leaders are trying to deal with these issues in a
fair, sensitive, logical manner. If a person, any person, cannot demonstrate
the required skills, we now restrict them from the more vigorous paddles, or
paddles with crossings, etc. In the mean time, some of us need to remain
committed to working toward a goal that seeks to include everyone in this
enjoyable activity of kayaking, even if we would rather just stick our heads
in the berm.

>Doug Lloyd wrote:
>
>> Thank you for all the good advice that came in with suggestions regarding
>> larger individuals having difficulty getting back in their kayaks. To
>> clarify, the ladies involved are not the type to desire to learn to roll or
>> do a reverse wet exit (re entry and roll). We are trying to teach good
>> bracing skills as a preventative, but feel that as a minimum, they should be
>> able to get back in with some assistance.
>
>Allow me to be the bad guy.  I think that if these folks have that much
trouble,
>they perhaps shouldn't be kayaking.  I'm responsible for nordic touring and
>backcountry activities in my ski club and have been in the position several
>times to tell folks "sorry, you can't go".  That, in fact is part of my
training.
>I would so the same thing paddling. There's no reason to put themselves and
>others at risk if they don't have the skills/strength/endurance to do something
>as basic as, in paddling, an assisted rescue.
>
>Someone suggested that they need more leg strength.  A normally fit person
>has enough leg strength.  Similar for arm strength.  Their problem sounds like
>they're just not fit or are too fat.
>
>Everyone today thinks they should be able to do anything they want without any
>special preparation or training.  They look at these things in a romantic,
dreamy
>way - "isn't this wonderful/pretty/adventurous..."  and want to take part.
>This isn't the case.  It's not a push button world.  You aren't instantly
able to do
>something  jsut because it sounds like a good idea.
>
>The preparation they need is not to learn to paddle but to get into sufficient
>physical condition to do all the activities required for safe paddling.
>
>Mike
>
>
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