In a message dated 3/31/99 12:26:58 PM Pacific Standard Time, rdiaz_at_ix.netcom.com writes: << I weighed in a month or so ago on group paddling, the dynamics, and how to keep both fast and slow paddlers happy. And so did others on this list server. As John Winters reminded us, an even more lengthy discussion occured last year and his excellent points are on his website. >> I'm sorry if my observation seemed offensive. I did mention that about nine people responded, but I was remiss in thanking you all. If my whine sank to the level of a chide, it was because I was hoping to get others (besides the usual commentators) to pitch in. I agree with Woody in this -- the more comments and questions, the more food for thought, and the greater chance that something new and revelationary might come out of the discussion. I would love to hear from those who may have found themselves on the "wrong" side of this issue, for example, if they could help us understand *why* it is so hard to keep people together. It is only those who have been there that can tell us why they at some point abandoned or outran their group, what misconception did they have? what fear? what lack of skill? As an individual, as well as an instructor and guide, I truly believe that all the people I have paddled with were decent, caring, intelligent and wanting to do the "right" thing. What I don't understand is why it doesn't always work out that way, and what I might have possibly done or said, that I didn't, to have made the difference -- to have made things go just a little smoother. Ralph, I do appreciate the suggestions that you posted about controlling group size. I was well aware of most, but they always bear repeating as reminders. And you have, by reposting them, touched many who may have never heard them before. I wasn't on the list last year when the "beating to death" took place, but I have accessed the articles on John Winters page that John and Richard Culpepper so kindly pointed me towards. Like Tom and Bill and Dave, I have often avoided paddling with groups outside of "work". Club paddles seem to suffer from a political correctness that says nobody can be refused, or that the paddle must always be downgraded to the least common denominator, with no limits on how low that denominator can go; and buddy-groups seem to suffer from terminal informality. But I do need to lead groups at work, and I get tired of paddling alone other times. So, like Sarah, I'd like to hear about how others deal with the various problems we associate with group paddling, in the hopes of infusing more enjoyment and safety in them. Harold So. Cal. *************************************************************************** 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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