Re: [Paddlewise] Intermediate?

> JSpinner_at_aol.com wrote:
>>>>> >     Maybe it would be better, if we are going to define
levels to make it a "can do this, can't do that," etc. definition
that we might actually be able to use. <descriptions snipped>
<<<<<<

To which Dave Kruger responded:
>>>> The labeling game is one that can be played forever.  I like
the **kind** of system detailed here because it is operationally
based.  However, it needs some more levels, because the ability
to handle breaking waves (whether in surf or over open water) is
a critical skill for many crossings (at least during strong winds
against opposing current here in the Pacific Northwest).  In
fact, being able to handle breaking seas (even small ones) is
such an important skill for survival I wonder if it should not be
specified in Joan's club's "Intermediate" classification.

I appreciate that sloppy breaking seas are not common on many
trips, but having the ability to handle the occasional wave adds
a big margin of safety.  Kind of like having an emergency brake
as well as conventional brakes on a car.

In addition, having a reliable roll is another threshold which
separates rescue options, and that should be in this system,
also, I believe.<<<<
>
>
I agree that having a checklist is a good thing, as it helps
individuals measure their own progress against a list of
consensus-derived parameters.  Although I'm not familiar with the
BCU system, I gather that the various BCU levels are closely tied
to a *very particular* way of performing the listed skills.

In the world of whitewater, there have been scales devised for
rating the difficulty of rivers and for rating the skill level of
paddlers.  The Keel Hauler Canoe Club's web site lists both river
point scales and paddler point scales.  See
http://pages.prodigy.net/keelhauler/khcc/kh.htm  and click on
"Self Rating System" and "River Ratings" on the left.  It is
interesting to note that there are no labels (novice through
expert) associated with the point systems, but it allows a
paddler to (sort of) measure their skills against rivers that
they might want to paddle.  One advantage of the point system
concept is that it allows for weaknesses in some categories being
compensated for superior skills in others.  I'm not sure if such
a point system exists for sea kayaking, though I remember reading
something about a Tsunami Ranger point system, though I'd imagine
that such a rating system would not be applicable to general sea
kayaking.

The one thing that's lacking in any rating system that I've seen
is assessing a paddler's judgement skills.  There have been many
discussions on this list about issues pertaining to paddler
judgement, and these seem to be the topics that generate the most
heated discussions.  Does it make sense to posit that a paddler
that exibits good judgement (however that may be defined) can be
considered to be a 'better' paddler - all other things being
equal (but are they ever equal?) - than a paddler without good
judgement?

Good judgement can be learned.  In a vicarious mode, this forum
is a good resource for learning good judgement.  Experiential
learning is perhaps a better teacher of good judgement, provided
that one does not get too big a dose of learning all at once.

Watching paddlers perform harder skills tells a lot about the
paddler.  Efficient moves combined with a relaxed posture (making
it look easy) show mastery of the skill.  A wide-eyed, frantic
paddling style indicates that the paddler is a bit lower on the
ladder - though the paddler is to be commended for pushing the
envelope, which is how new skills are learned.

Should a label require that a person can do the skill, or should
the person be able to do the skill effortlessly to earn the
label?  I think this aspect is where people tend to label
themselves at a higher (or sometimes lower) skill level than they
really are.  Clubs that offer a wide variety of trips need some
sort of rating system.  Joan has shared her club's rating
system - any others care to comment?  The two local sea kayaking
clubs I belong to don't have rating systems, and tend to operate
in a mode where the trip leader questions interested
participants.

A good friend of mine often comments that people who claim to
have 20 years of paddling experience are not necessarily good
paddlers, as they may have experienced one year of paddling 20
times over :-)

Erik Sprenne
who showed bad judgement many years ago by signing up for an
intermediate whitewater clinic as his first formal instruction in
the sport



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