Re: [Paddlewise] Paddling with beginners

Dave Kruger said:

Doug Lloyd wrote:

> I hope I'm not impertinent, but...would that be an expert river
paddler,
> expert ocean paddler, surf zone paddler...canoe or wave ski, SOT,
> outrigger or just what? Or is  the "expert paddler" in question a
> generic paddlesports person we are trying to envision? [megasnip]

<<<Nice essay, Doug.  Very thoughtful, and thought-provoking, as
well.>>>

Thanks Dave. BTW, one PW paddler in Victoria told me he enjoyed the
discussion, while another implied verbal diarrhea (on my part again).
You just can't win on this list :-)

<<<BTW, "accomplished" paddler may be a way to describe those whose
accomplishments outshine the exploits of the rest of us.>>>

One thing that may aid the limited discussion we devoted to the topic --
if we can earmark the sea kayaker as the "expert" in question -- would
be the type of journeying one does. I would hazard a guess that the
"expert", "experienced", "accomplished", and/or "highly advanced"
paddler would fall under the heading of a good "expedition" paddler.
Semantics aside, xpedition paddling conjures up in my mind, images of a
paddler out on a remote wilderness, open-water coastline that is
challenging  (yet within the paddler's comfort range). This paddler
would necessarily have high technical paddling skills equal with their
chosen craft; they would have obtained and would be able to utilize
wilderness survival and other emergency skills; they would posses the
necessary seamanship skills -- including a keen ability to assess sea
state values -- both in a predictive fashion and on-going; and lastly
(in my book, anyway), they would be out there on the mighty seas for the
intrinsic value and fun, in-tune with the limitless ergs of energy --
both exhibiting an enthusiasm that emanates from a desire to experience
the ennoblement that nature provides, and also to gain an intense love
and deep respect for the ocean -- which in part is key to the survival
of our planet.

That's my unvarnished view -- be it "doug-crap" or otherwise.

DL (who says "in order not to be criticized, say nothing, do nothing, be
nothing!")




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