Re: [Paddlewise] Group Paddling - Experienced

Gabriel L Romeu wrote:

> I am going to take a crack at this one, as somebody who has little group
> experience (sorry Ralph), but with a fair amount of management
> experience.
> Before the paddle, a explicit communication by the group leader to the
> group is important as to goals(destinations, bird/animal watching,etc.)
> and methods (directions, conditions, etc.)with the potential dangers of
> separation emphasised.  Try to ascertain the skill level of those on the
> trip.  It is better to ask open ended questions like- what was the most
> hairy situation you've been in a kayak and how did you deal with it?
> What was the most dangerous behaivior you've seen by a kayaker?  What do
> you expect the dangers or 'worst case scenario' would be on this trip?
> I am sure you with more experience could come up with better questions,
> but I think that you can get a pretty good idea by the answers.  This
> will tend to get the group communicationg as well.

Let's see...10 other people on the trip...each interview would take
about 5 minutes (total 50 minutes).  Statistical analysis of the
findings, about another 15 minutes...drawing up a plan of action,
another 20 minutes.  The group's critique of your plan, another 30
minutes...re-write of the plan, another 20 minutes...vote on your final
plan, another 2 minutes...a recount because of some protest voiced about
the results, 2 more minutes.  What time did you say the tide turns?  :-)

Actually, mi gran amigo Don Gabriel, I am just giving you a hard time. 
The ideas expressed above and below are quite good...in a perfect
world.  No one will sit still while you seek to talk to them.  They are
loading their boats, or arriving late, or going off to take a piss.  The
folding kayak people are sweating out getting that darn stern cockpit
rib in and have no time to talk or listen.  Some one grabs you and
mnopolizes all your time asking in detail about how you rigged those
decklines so cleverly on your stern deck.  Another person has locked
himself out of his car and needs to get his paddle.  Some people launch
right away and are already paddling in circles and about to take off;
they are out of earshot for the most part.  Some one reluctantly agrees
to be the sweep but forgets as soon as the fever of being on the water
hits and she takes off without looking back.  A total beginner who is
quite strong figures he has to keep up with her and takes off right
after her but fizzles out just over the horizon.

But, you know something.  Despite all that, group trips do come off
okay.  Perhaps not according to one's plans and ideas.  The group seeks
its own level, a bit disorganized; just let it.

Welcome to the human nature and the vagaries of group paddling. 
Everyone of the things I describe has happened to me...sometimes all on
the same trip! :-)

> Split the group into pairs , optimaly most with least experience with
> the express intention that one will inform the other if they 'zone
> out'.  The better paddler would be an asset to the less skilled in
> developing a cadence and perhaps verbal instruction and encouragement.
> The weaker paddler is expected to be slower and therefore have less of
> an 'ego' problem in asking to slow down(especially to one individual).
> The better paddler will probably have less of a problem in communicating
> this to the group leader because it is not their ego on the line as
> well, they are just being considerate.  This could constantly shift
> around during the paddle, but everyone should be quite clear as to their
> current partner.
> As group leader, you should pair yourself with a very well prepared
> experienced paddler (if there is one).  You two will have more latitude
> in moving around between the couples monitering the 'big picture' so to
> speak.
> The key, I would think, is delegation.
> 
> One premise or assumption I am making is from my personal experience- I
> have found that most(come to think of it, all) of the experienced
> paddlers I have met both on and off the net are very considerate and
> helpful people.  It is not that there isn't a lot of these types in
> other disciplines, but I have found this level unique to sea kayaking.
> 
> disclaimer- The weather has been warm the past couple of days and may
> have resulted in some synapse misfirings

ralph diaz
-- 
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Ralph Diaz . . . Folding Kayaker newsletter
PO Box 0754, New York, NY 10024
Tel: 212-724-5069; E-mail: rdiaz_at_ix.netcom.com
"Where's your sea kayak?"----"It's in the bag."
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