Re: [Paddlewise] Cockpit Yada Yada

Matt Broze wrote:

> >
> >
> > Matt wrote:
> >
> > <<<<
> > Try tightening the shock cord that goes around the cockpit rim. Be sure
> > and
> > loosen it again if the spraydeck may be used by novices later.
> > Call Rich at Snapdragon (425)957-3575. I'm sure he could tell you (and
> > make
> > you one just like it). He was one of Chris's sponsors. Chris told me he
> > did
> > the whole trip with the one spraydeck so it held up well.
> > >>>>
> >
> > Like, if it didn't, he's gonna say something negative about one of his
> > sponsors? Oh Matt, you are like so yesterday.
> 
> I don't know, but suspect that sponsorship meant he got his spraydeck for
> free. I'm sure if he wasn't happy with it he would have gotten something
> else as soon as feasible. Chris strikes me as an extremely honest
> individual. I think you owe him an apology.

I think that Doug's reaction is a result of healthy cynicism to the
really contrived marketing schemes that seem to permeate the sports
industry, from the olympics to the even more equipment intensive sports
as in paddling. 

But that said, my encounter with Chris Duff's lecture (the NZ trip) and
teaching (a quite phenomenal forward stroke class) left the impression
of a very secure, honest and open guy (a bit shy and self effacing as
well) and would probably just shrug off and chuckle at Doug's comment. 
At the lecture that I attended, with Nigel Dennis sitting in the room,
he gave a very honest review of his experiences in the Romany and
included in his slide presentation quite a few pictures of his smashed
boat.  I kinda wondered whether ND would ever consider sponsoring  him
again with my cynical attitude.

I appreciate both Doug and Matt's views and reviews of things like the
spray deck issue.  Though I sense a bit of heat sometimes, I have great
respect for both with the experience and thoughtfulness they exude in
their posts.  I have the postmodern attitude that there is no one better
thing than another out there, but through this banter I will find the
best thing for me.  I am a lucky guy.

best, gabriel
-- 
                            Gabriel L
Romeu                                                    
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