Re: [Paddlewise] guide training program

At 10:47 AM 1/28/99 -0800, you wrote:
>What do you think should be part of training program for guides?
>
>This is what I have in mind.
>
>*. CPR rescue breathing in the water, both inside and outside
>   of the kayaks (like SCUBA rescue skills)
>*. Advanced First Aid, maybe EMT basic.
>*. Scoop rescues in rough water, in addition all other rescues
>*. Weather, weather, weather
>*. Towing
>*. Landing people through surf
>*. Cooking--what people remember the most from a trip
>*. Psychology: Leadership, dealing with difficult people, contagious
confidence
>...
>
>Such a super program for training guides does not exist around here. But
>I you were to design one, what would you put in there?
>What skills would you like your guide to have?
>
>thanks in advance,
>
>- Julio

I'd suggest some practised familiarity with kayak maintenance and repair.
They don't need to be able to do a "McIver" where they build an entire
kayak using only duct tape, a paper clip and a wad of chewing gum, but they
should be able to repair/replace broken rudder cables, jammed foot pegs,
and up to, say a 5 inch diameter hole in a boat.

Also, VHF protocol, use and limitations. GPS use: although they should be
familiar enough with compass use to get along without one, a GPS is a handy
"ace up the sleeve" for unexpected fog and allows you to paddle the
absolute most efficient route - handy at the end of long days, in current,
or during a crisis.

In the same category as cooking, not essential for safety, but the kind of
thing that will bring repeat and word-of-mouth customers, the guides should
have some knowledge of the geology, biology, and history of their area of
operations.

Cheers,
Philip T.
N49°16' W123°08' 
"The opinions expressed in this posting are not necessarily those of my
employer, or indeed, of any sentient being."
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