rdiaz_at_ix.netcom.com wrote: > It's different. While some aspects of group dynamics can apply to group > paddling, I think unique things happen on the water that make the > experience not analogous to other group situations. It has to do with > movement of the water, differences in boats, skills, etc. That is why I > think one who does not paddle with groups is probably not in a good > position to comment. Well, Ralph, as usual, I agree with you, but I also think you are off the mark a little. There are lots of "challenging" outdoor pursuits which require mastery of the same group dynamics mandated to run a successful group paddle. That's where I think you are off the mark a little. OTOH, I agree that paddling on the water is more susceptible to "group scatter," inasmuch as the "path" is not plain, as it is in trail-walking, and the hazards are not (usually) obvious, as they are in glacier-climbing or alpinism. See short resume below the sig. Note it does NOT include "leader of all-comers group paddles." I work in an academic setting, controlled by the dictates of public funding, and I'll tell you, it is AWFUL to try to enforce/ensure good safety practices in today's overly-PC academic climate. It is tough enough to keep students safe in a chemistry laboratory. I won't even think of the difficulty in a paddling the BC coast context. It would make my head hurt. -- Dave Kruger Astoria, OR -- retired climber, sometime wilderness skier, long-time teacher of laboratory science, and several-time mountain guide *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************Received on Wed Mar 31 1999 - 17:07:31 PST
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