At 10:13 PM 2/15/01 -0500, volinjo_at_juno.com wrote: >Actually, paddling with a commercial outfitter, I've met a lot of newbies >who are afraid of not being able to exit their boats. Not only that, >people who stop to talk when we're out with the kayaks on top of the car >frequently mention that as a fear - though these are mostly folks who >aren't even newbies - they're just scared to even get in "one of those >things." > >First we have to convincae the newbies that they won't get stuck in their >boats - that, in fact, with the nylon sprayskirts most of them are using, >they aren't even likely to be able to stay in their boats if they want to >if the boats tip over. Then we have to convince them that they will be >able to get back into the boat, with help at first, and hopefull, alone >after awhile. My experience helping a friend run lessons and rentals out of his shop mimics Joans (wave), although I'd have to say that certainly not every new paddler is afraid of capsizing and getting stuck. In the introductory classes I help teach, after some basic forward paddling, reverse paddling and sweep strokes without their skirts attached, the next thing we do is wet exits. Usually, I demonstrate one first and tell them that I'm going to take my time getting out. I'll tip over, slap the hull a few times, wiggle my fingers, wave to everyone, and then do my wet exit, reinforcing the idea that being upside down in a kayak is really nothing to worry about. Most people come up with a smile on their face the first time they do an intentional wet exit. The first one gives them some confidence in the fact that they won't get trapped. The first time they unintentionally capsize and wet exit gives them even more confidence. *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************Received on Tue Feb 20 2001 - 05:57:24 PST
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