Nice post, Shawn. You wrote, "any suggestions as to how I can gently state my intentions to these two [paddling partner and retailer]? They are both friends and do value my advice." A few years ago, a bunch of new folks showed up at a CPA beginner trip on which I was helping with REI rental kayaks. They had PFDs --- which they seemed very surprised that they had to *wear* --- and even **zipped up**! --- but they had no idea what a paddlefloat was or why they'd need pumps in such little boats! Following the trip, I wrote to REI --- not exactly a schlock house when it comes to outdoor stuff --- and explained my concern that they were sending out newbies in their boats without baseline safety equipment. Got a nice letter back, agreeing completely, and saying they understood our concern and were changing their policy on sending out rentals with adequate equipment. No biggie. I treated it professionally --- so did they, although they really wouldn't have had much to argue with if they'd wanted to. It worked. If you explain it to them as you have to the list, Shawn, I can't see how you'll have any problems. Jack Martin *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************Received on Wed Mar 08 2000 - 14:21:39 PST
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