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? Spencer A. Smith aka SNAGGLETOOTH HotBot - Search smarter. http://www.hotbot.com *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
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