Recently, on behalf of the "Tuesday Paddlers of Florida" , I ask an outfitter in the FL Keys if they would consider a Senior category to their annual races. They have two age categories, 39 and under, and those 40 and older. Since we are a group of age 60 and older, (the oldest two being 79,who seem to have no trouble with a 10 mile paddle), felt we should be able to compete in a group commensurate with our age group. We are neither decrepit nor infirmed. We are ex-sailboat owners, ex-dentists, ex-skiers, teachers,brokers, you name it, who enjoy paddling in a different area every week. The group was started by David Seeley some years ago with the idea that a Tues.. paddle would be subjected to less crowded situations both on the road and in the water. His idea proved correct. One week we may paddle deep in the heart of the Everglades, the next Paddle the Atlantic Ocean around Key Biscayne and the next may be a campout in Big Pine Key next to Key West. We don't do whitewater and we prefer take-outs near a good bar and restaurants. Our comfortable paddles are 10 to 13 NM, although we can do more or less. The reply to our request was there aren't really enough senior paddlers out there to make a class. We didn't feel the request was out of order and don't really think of ourselves as an oddity or really unusual. We didn't decide that because we are 60 we should do something physical. most of us have been adventurers of sorts all our lives, I dove Lake Atitilan in Guatemala when I was 18, The Great Barrier Reef in "middle age" whatever that is. Climbed the Italian Alps a couple of years ago, paddled The Outer Hebrides this past summer, and don't really intend to stop anytime soon. I don't expect to compete with the "kids" who are the current heroes, I just want to continue playing the game. Is the Outfitter correct, or are there a lot of us, (as I suspect). Pat moss *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
Just passed 59 and paddling fast toward my next big Zero. Do I qualify or are you gonna make me wait a year? Bob V > I don't expect to compete with the "kids" who are the current heroes, I just > want to continue playing the game. Is the Outfitter correct, or are there a > lot of us, (as I suspect). > > > Pat moss *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
Bob Volin wrote: > > Just passed 59 and paddling fast toward my next big Zero. Do I qualify or > are you gonna make me wait a year? > Bob V I'd say anyone who qualifies for membership in AARP (55 years) deserves to all the rights, privileges, (and discounts) of being a senior. -Bob Matter Hammond, IN ----------- "The earth does not belong to us, we belong to the earth." -Chief Seattle *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
Bob, You or any P'wiser are welcome to paddle with us any time you are in the area.......However, as it is now we have no events in South Florida with "senior categories", so even if you're in your 70's you will compete with those in their 40's. True, races are not a significant factor in any of our lives, but the point is, this situation is defacto exclusion of older paddlers. Pat Moss > Just passed 59 and paddling fast toward my next big Zero. Do I qualify or > are you gonna make me wait a year? > Bob V *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
Age brackets certainly have their place, but as you are all well aware, they aren't always an indicator of skill and ability. Of course age is not an absolute indictor of skill or ability. BUT and this is a big but, this is where the average Joe comes in. One should not have to be a superman (or woman) to compete. There should be a category that allows all who are prepared (mentally & physically) to play the game. Pat Moss *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
----- Original Message ----- From: ralph diaz <rdiaz_at_ix.netcom.com> > Remember that the alternative to growing old isn't exactly pleasant, i.e. > dying off!!! > (snip)... > The sea knows no age. We are all alien on its waters no matter how sleek a > kayak we paddle or level of skill. The best way to blend in to its majesty > and forces is to let go of ourselves and that seems to be something older > folk can do best, i.e. the nothing-to-prove point mentioned above. Some years ago, I had the pleasure to meet Verlen Krugger (then 62) and his wife, Valerie Fons (then 44), during their leg trough Buenos Aires, when they paddled from Alaska to Ushuaia crossing all the continent. Y haven´t seen many wealthy and strong people as Verlen in his 62. They told me they just got married and left off for a honeymoon, ..., whant a honeymoon !!!. It took them 2 years but they made it ! Our oldest kayaker in Argentina is "Guillermo Basombrío". He is now 75 and has spent the month of April during the last twoo years at the entrance of "Cape Horn", Fireland, Patagonia, waiting for the weather to calm down and let him make the final 40 km crossing. Maybe he´ll be lucky this year and finally reach it. The amazing part is he started late in this sport, I think he was 60 whe he retired and tried sea-kayaking for the first time. Now I am 34, but I wish I´ll have only a half of their health when I reach their age. Best regards ! Fernando Lopez Arbarello Kayak Argentina - Sea Kayaking Mailing List kayak_argentina_at_uol.com.ar *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
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