Re: [Paddlewise] Group Paddling/dynamics

I don't agree that this subject has been beaten to death.  I am in Dave
Krugers camp.  I have never paddled in a group because I simply have never
found a group that can offer the fun AND safety that I want. I always think
that having others around will give me one more thing to worry about and I
have had that feeling when hooking up with someone during a short day paddle.
Selfish? yes.Why is that?  Am I anti-social? Or, since I live intense "group
dynamics" all day long at work is it just a desire for space?  Probably a
little of both.  The reality is, unfortunately, I have not found a day job
that will allow me to pursue my hobbies.  Therefore, what little time I have
for my passions I want to spend enjoying.  I don't want to negotiate when to
eat lunch, where to go, when to stop, what speed to go, etc.  I don't  want to
listen to a heckler and I dont want to listen to a whiner.  Shallow as that
may sound, these traits always seem to gravitate out of "group dynamics".
The bigger issue is safety.  My careers have always forced me to be extremely
safety conscious. I'm glad of that now because it follows into my hobbies.  I
couldn't imagine being in a group where each individual is unable to provide
the basic minimum for himself.  No paddlefloat? no pump? improper dress? If it
were work this would be grounds for firing (seriously).  Just pack your bags
and go home.  Argue it with the union rep. 
With paddling, many do seem to have the herd mentality.  You can't look at
this in a bad way, it is the reality of what social dynamics have forced
people into.  Generally, people want to enjoy themselves, generally, people
want to experience new things, generally, they will try something without
completely thinking it through.   Its just impossible to expect everyone to
jump into paddling with the gusto that many on this list have.  They will
never build boats, treck mountains, lead 3 month trips in Alaska.  I'm glad
there are guides that can take the "ordinary guy" and paddle out for a trip.
The guide takes on a tremendous responsibility in dealing with the dynamics
and lack of skill and preparation.  I respect that ability immensely.
It would be a gift to find one or two people who you can trust, get along with
and be at compatible skill levels.   Until then .....  
***************************************************************************
PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List
Submissions:     paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net
Subscriptions:   paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net
Website:         http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/
***************************************************************************