Re: [Paddlewise] Under The Waves-Hand Holders

<< Whatever happened to just giving a few pointers on the beach and then 
sending 
 the kayakers into the surf?   >>

   OK, Duane, I have to take issue with this. I did learn as you suggest. 
When I took up sea kayaking it was a very little known sport in So. Cal.. 
There weren't any instructors, or even books available. I got a boat and went 
out and did it. Of course I grew up on the beach, and in the surf. I was a 
lot younger then, and healed a whole lot faster then I seem to nowadays. 
   Now I teach kayak surf technique. First of all let me say that the company 
I work for is not eager to pay out on countless insurance claims for injured 
paddlers. Like it or not, we live in an age of litigation. It is MY JOB to 
keep these people safe from injury. Furthermore, not every person who comes 
through my class is interested in becoming a gung-ho cowabunga surfer. The 
purpose of the class is to teach people how to SAFELY negotiate the surf. 
That is, how to launch and land through it, not necessarily how to surf 
waves. 
   I have had people in my classes who were terrified of the waves. It was MY 
JOB to get them out there in the smaller stuff to give them a sense of self 
confidence. These people will probably never go surfing. But at least for one 
day they were able to climb and conquer the mountain. Even if it was just a 
small hill to you and me. So what's wrong with that? 
   One of the best kayak surfers I know went through my class. I think I'm 
pretty darn good, but he's better. I can't take credit for his skill, but I 
did introduce him to the sport. So it takes all kinds, and I have to be 
prepared for whoever shows up in my class. Duane, I know your probably just 
trying to cause trouble on this list with this post of yours, which is 
something I also enjoy doing from time to time. But you've touched a nerve 
here. I don't have any problem at all with you being macho, just as long as 
you don't take anybody down with you.

cya,

Scott
So.Cal.
   
***************************************************************************
PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not
to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission
Submissions:     paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net
Subscriptions:   paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net
Website:         http://www.paddlewise.net/
***************************************************************************