In a message dated 9/7/00 11:21:29 AM, rdiaz_at_ix.netcom.com writes: << Certification certainly has its value in setting up a curriculum and benchmarks against which an interested paddler can measure him/herself. By its nature, at least in the BCU certification, it lends itself to growth and reaching higher star levels. >> True ! The whole BCU system seems geared toward progression from basic safety up to and including Lloydesque storm paddling. While the higher levels are never forced on a student, there is a certain amount of "Star" envy among active BCU paddlers. The emphasis in your paragraph should be on the *interested* paddler, no one is forced to take BCU or ACA, but ownership of certification does offer proof of a certain level of boat handling (not necessarily people handling) skills. The BCU system like any training program, provides a *model* to follow regarding the performance of strokes and teaching. A *model* by it's nature, is intended to help students understand a complex issue in a very simple way. But *models* are not perfect and do not fit every possible circumstance. << All of this is fine for the achievement minded kayaker. What I miss though is something that would help the masses of kayakers who are not oriented in that direction and that would help them learn a modicum of skills and savvy to keep them out of trouble. The real world of trouble in kayaking is in the masses of kayakers getting into recreational kayaks and entry level sit-on-tops. It would be great to see something real simple for them. Unless I am mistaken, someone showing up with a SOT or Keowee would perplex a BCU instructor. Or in a double folding kayak. There is really nothing aimed at t >> True, again! But this is where the rest of the paddling community comes in to play. Some of our paddling community choose to play to the larger national audience, while others of us (too non-PC for mass consumption) prefer a smaller, more local venue. Recent posts to the NSPN web site (NSPN.org) have been from recent members praising the instruction they have received at the hands of more senior members. The "instructors" are BCU and ACA trained and certified, but offer beginner and advanced beginner skills instruction, free of charge, to club members This past summer, the club held over 30 *free* seminars in and around the greater Boston area. We see "students" in sit-on tops, folders, antiques, skin-on-frames, plastic, woodstrip, stich-and-clue and fibreglass craft. We have members with recreational boats, tandems, decked canoes, white water boats and sea kayaks. All of whom come for the same reason, to learn about boat safety and handling skills. Some people even shore-watch because they don't yet own a boat. No one is denied access, there is no gear elitism even though we are a sea kayaking club and all of the instructors paddle genuine sea kayaks. Students come for free instruction. The instructors teach to practice and perfect their teaching skills. All in all, the system seems to work to everyone's benefit. As teachers become certified and move on to professional status, they leave 3 or 4 instructor wannabe's in their wake to carry on the tradition of free training for basic skills and safety for the next season. True, I *paid* for my BCU education and my progression through the BCU system continues today. But that is my choice. I don't demand that people take BCU or ACA sanctioned training. But if they want to teach, I highly recommend a recognized system and certification of their skills in order to protect students from well meaning but ill equipped instructors. Jed Luby Goffstown, NH *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
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