Paddlewisers, Today I held a forward stroke clinic for a couple of the kayaking clubs in Southern California. The new president of one of the clubs asked that some members give classes for beginner kayakers. I decided on a forward stroke clinic, because it would help new as well as more experienced kayakers. I also felt that some of the local shops had good beginner programs, and a forward stroke clinic would be a good way to expand on them. I didn't think hardly anyone was going to come, but I actually had 19 kayakers show up. They were all very nice, enthusiastic about kayaking, and for the most part, they were well equipped. This was the first time I ever taught kayaking on any sort of formal basis, but I think I did an OK job. After a land session, we went on the water in the harbor to practice. I tell you, it is hard to get new kayakers to twist rather than use their arms when paddling. We did (tried to do) the straight arm drill to help learn to twist, and it drove almost everyone crazy. During the class, I saw a few improve a lot, a few more a little, and a bunch very little, but it does take time to learn the forward stroke. Some in the group hadn't been out in the ocean yet. With the weather calm, I took the opportunity to take the group to a buoy about a half mile out. Once there, we took a break, and I did a bracing, sculling and rolling demonstration. Then two others, a husband and wife, in singles, decided there were going to roll too. I thought I was going to get a little carnage by seeing them wet exit, but they pulled the rolls off nicely. The day was finished off by chatting around a pot luck lunch. It was fun! Duane *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
We are finishing the plans for a three day trip to Scammons Lagoon in Baja for a day of Gray Whale watching. We are leaving on Saturday the 27th of January for a 12 hour drive south; paddling on Sunday and returning North to the US on the 29th. One must have a passport or copy of birth certificate to pass through Mexican Customs and Immigration a drivers licenses is not adequate proof of citizenship. Shared costs will be gas, Mexican Auto Insurance and camping costs of approximately US $ 3.00 per night. Food can be brought to cook in camp or local restaurants can be utilized. If interested please email me directly for a list of suggested personal items to bring. An evening planning session of about one hour will be held that will allow us to arrange shared transportation, etc. All participants are responsible for their own equipment and must bring and use all appropriate safety equipment for sea kayaking. All participants are fully aware that sea kayaking is a inherently risky sport which could result in loss of property and life and accept full responsibility for their their individual safety. The organizer and their affiliates are held harmless for any incidents and/or accidents arising from participating in this trip either on the water or while en route via land transportation. Participants accept responsibility to exercise their judgement not to paddle beyond their capabilities and are properly equipped and trained to execute self rescues should the need arise. This trip is part of Saddleback Community Church Kayak Ministry and anyone is welcome to join. Regards: Fred E. Thomas *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
Fred: (1) I cannot make the trip on the weekend of the 27th - But, add me to your mailing list - (2) Do you have a URL that I can monitor for events upcoming ?? (3) What City are you located ?? (4) I would love to make contact with any and all touring kayakers in the Southern California Area. (5) There is a $17 tourist fee to cross into Mexico.. Cash only - Suggest Correct change ... Wayne Smith ( San Diego ) -- Wayne Smith http://www.waynesmith.net/weight 07 October 1999 - 315 lb. - Dr Rumbaut - Monterrey, Mexico --------------------------------------------------- Tag Line for Today: "Any synopsis of a good book is a stupid synopsis." -- Michel Eyquem de Montaigne --------------------------------------------------- *************************************************************************** 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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