Re: [Paddlewise] Under The Waves-Hand Holders

In a message dated 11/23/99 7:15:26 PM, Strosaker_at_aol.com writes:

<< Hand Holders,

Whatever happened to just giving a few pointers on the beach and then sending 
the kayakers into the surf?  Nothing beats learning by trial and error, and 
just plain spending time on the water.  But I guess you have some who want to 
be held by the hand, and then you have some who just want get out there and 
do it.  Those who want to be held by the hand will never become skilled 
kayakers, because they don't have the guts it takes to learn this sport.  It 
is amazing how anal, methodical, and even sterile sea kayak instruction has 
become.  Has it gone too far?  I can't help but think that the real purpose 
of this kind of instruction is to show the students how experienced and 
knowledgeable the instructor is rather than to help the students gain 
experience and knowledge.  Come on, after talking on the beach for a few 
minutes, it is time to just get in the water and do it! 

Duane Strosaker
Southern California>>


    Someone recently asked what was wrong with being macho. Sorry Duane, but 
this is what is wrong with macho. Trial and error is offered in Doug's class 
in a safe, sort of, setting. For new paddlers or at least ones who have not 
experienced surf, like me, this sounds exactly like what they need to learn 
without doing it the hard way. I'm not a believer that learning the hard way 
is the best.
    It is fine and dandy for me to stick you on a horse after an hour or so 
of experience and tell you, just go for the 3' jump. The horse knows how. The 
point is, I'm am instructor. I'm teaching people how to do something they 
want to learn how to do safely. You might survive and learn from falling on 
your head but then you might not. 
    Certainly, if you have any common sense, you will find a teacher who will 
give you the hand holding you need to gain the skills and confidence in those 
skills that you paid for. I seriously don't want teachers who put my life at 
risk because they won't come show me and coach me as I learn. I want that 
instructor's rear end up on that horse and over that 3' jump, showing me how 
to do it, not just a lot of talk where it is safe and dry.
    I think Doug's piece is great, thought I did ask myself if I had the 
courage to go this far this soon in my paddling experience. I'll go seek out 
Doug any day of the week but I will certainly avoid any teacher from your 
school of, "throw the kid in the water. He'll learn to swim." 
    I believe that it is wiser to avoid the teacher who would talk up their 
skills as a paddler rather than show their skills as a teacher.

Joan

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