Re: [Paddlewise] best this, right that?

Well said Spencer!!
On my previous post "changing feathers" I wrote almost the exact same thing
that you stated below.  I deleted that part of my post concerned that I
might offend someone having it not worded correctly.   I thought my
CAPITALIZATION OF THE WORD "MY" would be understood that it works for me.  I
can't say what works for anyone else.   It is through trial and error that
we truly learn what works for us as individuals.  But it does not hurt to
hear and learn from other peoples experiences.  This is one of the ways we
learn about the depth of the sport to go out for trial and error.
Arthur Hebert
In the mist of the tourist at JAZZ FEST



Spencer wrote:

>Okay, I'm going to stick my neck out a bit.  Please don't hit back too
hard.  And it is not my intention to suggest anyone is "wrong", nor would I
like to think that I've caused anyone to shy away from posting.
>
>I've heard quite a bit lately on this list about the "best way" or the
"right way" to do something (paddle, roll, brace, etc.), or from whom you
should take paddling advice, etc.  (I recall someone even  saying "pick your
experts well").  Maybe I'm missing something here (kept my head underwater
too long, too many times?), but does there need to be so much emphasis on a
"right or particular way"?  For example, are Euro-blades better than
Greenland sticks?  I'd say no, they're just different.  Taken to the
extreme, this seems egotistical to me.
>
>I've learned to paddle by doing, by making mistakes, by instruction, by
practice, by watching others and emulating what I like, but I don't
subscribe to a "correct method".  I'd certainly not suggest my method is
anything other than my method.  Okay, here's one of my points (and sorry for
the CAPS):  I PADDLE USING MY METHODS (right or wrong), AN ADOPTION OF MANY
TECHNIQUES AND STYLES, AND NOT NECESSARILY TO BE OF SOUND USE TO ANYONE
OTHER THAN ME.  SHOULDN'T WE ALL BE DOING THIS?
>
>When people (usually those with lesser skills) ask me about their technique
or style, I'm in total agreement with the majority(?) on this list who
believe that it is a grand idea to present them with all their options and
let them choose what works best for them.  This is my second, and more
important point.  Again, sorry for the CAPS: ISN'T IT BETTER TO LET PEOPLE
USE WHAT WORKS FOR THEM V. A "STANDARD" OR "CONVENTIONAL" TECHNIQUE?  Be it
a "head dink" in the recovery phase of a brace, or an unfeathered paddle,
I'm all for trying and using those things that work for me, and forgetting
the rest.  Maybe I'm just way-off-base here, but rarely (anymore; actually,
I probably give way way too much unsolicited "advice") do I suggest any
technique other than what "works best" for another paddler, especially
beginners.  Besides, I haven't been kayaking long enough to consider myself
anything other than a capable paddler (whatever that may mean).
>
>Maybe I just needed to exhale, maybe I'm too wound up from work, maybe I
need to put in 30 miles.  Sorry for griping, but where else could I achieve
such a catharsis before I take a beating?


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