<I have a related dilemma to pose: a guy I sometimes paddle with regularly wimps out on easy crossings. He is so paranoid about capsizing he often will alter the angle he takes across a half-mile channel, just to keep the chop/swells off his beam.> This is similar to the person who is thrown into whitewater too soon, one tough swim and that is their last trip to the river. My approach is to start the person over and work up. In my case, take them swimming in easy rapids, then tandem canoe in easy III, but with me allowing the boat to flip in non-dangerous situations. In all cases explaining what and why I am doing it. Also, giving the boater the veto right over any proposed action or maneuver. Maybe you could try similar things, but without having to go off shore. Eg, find moving water with some easy waves. Have your friend practice rescues, rolls and braces. With both the shore and you in sight, he may feel more comfortable taking these risks. Once he feels good in the river he can then try them in the open water. JKL *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************Received on Wed Nov 29 2000 - 15:10:56 PST
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