Re: [Paddlewise] Helping a new paddler?

 From: TomW <gadfly911_at_earthlink.net>
>
> John,
>
>       Thank you for your input.  What you say is true.  Thing is that 
> before
> this guy took off for his test drive, NEITHER of us knew what the
> conditions more than 10 feet away from the dock were.
>
>       I do know that there are places on Puget Sound where one can run 
> into
> currents of at least 7 mph.  For a man with an ill-fitting PFD, no
> equipment for rescue, wearing street clothes, etc... and me wondering just
> how much he really knew/understood about our sport-I confess, I'd do it
> again.


And, imho, it appears to me you'd be doing the right thing, :-)

Because none of us were there and observing what you observed firsthand, I
think for any of us to make a judgement call on your judgement call is
a bit premature without knowing more of the facts.  Questions first
would probably be more productive.  I think what is most important is that
you left the impression of safety on this guy.  You brought up issues which
had not occurred to him which *will* cause him to think about *some* of it
(if not all of it) and that's good ground gained.

On a personal note... I agree with everything Jack said (wish I could have
worded it like he did!) and second his comment "Don't sell that boat."  All
of us on this list have been greatly enriched from your postings and updates
on your progress.  I think you are awesome and you're one of my heros :-)

Cheers,

Jackie

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