Re: [Paddlewise] Skills on White Water

I agree that basic skill on w.w. seem to be less important then 
surfing with a lot of the paddlers I've seen.

I started w.w. paddling at the end of last season and found I really 
enjoy it. Although my skills in a sea boat are 4 star I approached 
learning w.w. like I hadn't paddled before and tried to keep an open 
mind about learning new ways of solving old problems. In doing so 
I've really improved my sea paddling and become a good w.w. paddler 
too.
Last week I had a friend with me at the local play spots (scudders 
falls) to take some photos for an article I was working on for 
ANorAK. On the drive over I was telling him about the park and play 
generation and wile there we meet a kids that fit the description. He 
was back surfing and pulling nice cartwheels but then flipping when 
entering the eddy. I almost thought I might need to do a rescue after 
he missed a 3 roll attempt. When we were leaving I tried to explain 
it's not good to be out with out another paddler even at a park and 
play site but he said he would be fine.

JFF




>
>Ralph Hoehn: I see no problem with "beginners ... not getting strong 
>fundamental skills" IN THIS CONTEXT! As long as these beginners, 
>then beginners no more, don't later assume that they can immediately 
>and with impunity paddle anything else beyond the highly specialized 
>boats, in which they learnt at the outset, in the self same highly 
>specialized circumstances ... not that they couldn't learn to do so, 
>of course, but the skill set required would be different.
>
>Conversely I have sound sea skills for my purposes and for the boats 
>with which and the circumstances under which I paddle. That does not 
>make me a white water jockey ... and I know my limitations in that 
>respect.
>
>Ralph

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