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 *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
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." *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
I think it's imperative that they have navigational skills. Philip touched on this, but I believe it is essential that they know how to use a nautical chart, a compass, tide and current charts, and weather reports to plan safe journeys for their clients. A knowledge of GPS systems and how to use them effectively would be beneficial. You said Advanced first aid... I would suggest Wilderness First Responder Certification at a minimum. Even better would be Wilderness EMT. This might not be part of the course, but I would want my guide to have this cert. Coast Guard information for the areas in which they will be guiding (US Coast Guard, or Canadian Coast Guard). How, when, and why to contact them. And what Coast Guard regulations apply to them and their group. Last, but not least, how to properly pack your kayak with equipment for an extended journey. -Shoni The only thief of dreams is Fear. >What do you think should be part of training program for guides? > >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? > >- Julio ---- >I'd suggest some practised familiarity with kayak maintenance and repair. >Also, VHF protocol, use and limitations. GPS use: although they >should be >familiar enough with compass use to get along without one >guides should >have some knowledge of the geology, biology, and history of their area of >operations. >Cheers, >Philip T. *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
>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 A majority of this is included in the curriculum in Tom Bergh's 'Guide Training Course' offered at Maine Island Kayak Co. on Peaks Island, Maine. I believe they have a website. Dennis >*************************************************************************** >PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List >Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net >Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net >Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ >*************************************************************************** > *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
Julio - Thanks for your provactive thoughts on guide training. I'd add: "No-impact camping: a deep commitment to preserving the environment, and an eagerness to teach about that as part of the trip". Others will pooh-pooh this, and say that only a rare few people are interested in it, that most people just come to have a bit of (ill-informed) fun far a day or so, that such teaching would interfere with the normal conduct of the trip....etc etc etc. But I've seen this work very well, with groups of very different people, on trips of 1/2 day to 5 days duration. No, I haven't been that wonderful teacher; I'm not advanced enough to be a guide. But I've learned a great deal from dedicated guides, and the trips in which respect for the environment has been part of the "learning experience" of the trip have been the most enriching, and the most fun, for me and for others. - Bill Hansen *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
Dennis - and others - Maine Island Kayak's web page URL is: www.maineislandkayak.com/ There's a wealth of good information there, with lists of sources for more. Great site. Great people to paddle with, learn from, travel with. The best. Bill Hansen *************************************************************************** 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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