I don't think I can do that, unless, of course, Doug tows me ;-) This "weakest member decides" approach is fine on land. The timid or nervous can just refuse to paddle and stay put. The group can then either split or wait depending on the situation and available transportation, etc. Although, a slower paddler should never be left behind, once on the water they should not be in charge either. On the water this "weakest member decides" approach runs into serious trouble unless the weakest member also happens to be the most experienced and prudent. Rarely the case. Often the prudent thing to do is to somehow make the slowest paddler speed up. The group doesn't need to spend any longer at risk than necessary if the weather, sea conditions or daylight are deteriorating. Arguing about what to do will just delay things further when the group should have been on their way already. There is a reason why ships aren't run democratically (much less by the new cabin boy). If you have the time and are in a safe location and are unhurried teaching the slower paddler some better more efficient paddling techniques might help (especially later in a longer trip). Usually there is no time to do that when danger is threatening. What if the timid paddler becomes frightened and starts to freeze up. Should they then order the group to sit out there with them in the face of the approaching gale and tide change while the frightened paddler rests up and tries to get their heart rate down. No, somebody with experience has to step in and say "Here's the reality. We can all stay here with Bruce and buck him up and try to encourage him (or plead with him to let us all paddle again) or we can have Bull here tow him and if anyone can't keep up with Bull and Bruce I'm gonna tow them". "But I don't want to be towed" says Dan, "I can get there on my own just not as fast as you guys". At this point what is sorely needed is a previously agreed upon leader whose word is law. "No Dave, that puts the whole group at risk and we are not going to let you fall behind, whoever can't keep up will be towed to increase the groups speed whether they like it or not". "Even though Bruce is being towed he will still need to be paddling as fast as he can go. He can't lessen his effort, the goal is to increase the groups overall speed in making it to safety and everyone needs to do their part to reach that goal to the very best of their abilities. Let's get going." If Dave refuses a tow clip into his bow and tow him anyway. If he gets his back up and starts back paddling or refuses to paddle at all to help (even though he is able) the option is then open to cut him loose and leave him on his own (and let him die, if that's what happens to him, with a clear conscience). Keel hauling would waste too much time and a kayak doesn't have a brig. Matt Broze http://www.marinerkayaks.com *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced/forwarded outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************Received on Fri Jul 14 2000 - 00:41:23 PDT
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