Re: [Paddlewise] Intermediate?

In a message dated 12/1/00 1:22:03 PM, LedJube_at_aol.com writes:

<< I'm a fan of the BCU 3 star being the definition of an Intermediate. A 
solid 
3 Star should be able to handle any non-expert conditions >>

Though I'm tempted to agree with this I think there truly are not that many 
paddlers who can pass 3 star assessment for one reason or another. As most 
people will never be close enough to big water to think about a 4 star, 3 
star really is the highest level most inland paddlers will reach.
    Maybe it would be better, if we are going to define levels to make it a 
"can do this, can do this, etc. definition that we might actually be able to 
use.
    This is an ongoing discussion both here on PW and in our club. We have a 
few 3 star and fewer 4 star paddlers but that is because some don't want to 
bother being certified. But the VAST majority of paddlers have been paddling 
2, 3, 4 years and though they can generally handle themselves in the majority 
of circumstances they would find themselves in on club paddles they might be 
able to pass the 2 star assessment. They may well see themselves as 
intermediate padders because they are measuring themselves against the even 
newer paddlers or the ones who just don't get out all that often.
    The following is the way we rate skills directly from the newsletter:
First Timers:   for those who have never paddled before.
Beginners:   for those who have paddled some, taken classes, or been on short 
(up to 4-mile) trips and are able to do a wet exit and paddle float reentry.
Advanced Beginners:   for those who have been on longer trips (up to 10  
miles, full day outings), have some experience with varying conditions such 
as winds, and waves, and have good rescue and group-paddling skills.
Intermediate Paddlers:   for those who are comfortable on longer trips (more 
than 10 miles), can maintain a steady pace for extended periods, are 
comfortable with open water crossings of 2+ miles, can handle a variety of 
water conditions, and have strong self- and group-rescue skills.
    This yardstick we can agree on as a club. When I went to a skills  
workshop and we were asked to self rate most called themselves advanced 
beginners and I knew many of them were better than I was. By the above 
definition I was an intermediate paddler. I was amazed because I really had 
no other criteria than the CPA rating.
    I wonder if developing a rating system that really helps people 
understand their strengths and limitations by listing the skills in a simple 
form might not help both formal and informal groups judge the conditions and 
paddlers. I'd like to see some work on lists of skills that address local 
conditions developed. There should only be a few general categories with 
additions to special local conditions.
     Skill levels in our club don't even address surf. I don't know if the 
criteria used for Duane's trip defined what intermediate was and if surf was 
addressed if there was a definition. I might chicken out on any paddle that 
requires surf lands because I've ended up picking sand out of my ears for 3 
days after a few of those. Even gentle surf upsets me especially trying to 
land without getting creamed. I'm just too stiff to get out fast enough. I 
could easily be the one being brushed off as friends laughed at me as I spat 
sand out of my mouth. Wouldn't be the first time.

Joan Spinner

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