Re: [Paddlewise] Arctic Bagel

In a message dated 4/3/01 11:00:58 AM, jtibensky_at_msn.com writes:

<< Maybe we should acknowledge our denial and just admit if we ever drown it 
probably be for lack of preparation and sound judgment.  And quit making 
excuses for why we are too lazy to learn. >>

    Seems to me this is a bit of preaching to the choir. The reason a lot of 
us are here is to learn. I take what I've heard here and test it on the water 
and against the judgment of paddlers whose skills and experience I respect.
    CPA is discussing trip leaders and development of good judgment. Some 
people naturally have the ability to size up a new situation and can 
formulate an appropriate response. Some people have to learn the hard way, by 
making bad decisions and LEARNING from those decisions. The ones who will 
probably end up in the greatest trouble are those who do not learn from 
mistakes, theirs or anyone else's. 
    I would think mentoring is the best way to foster judgment in those 
willing to learn by example or by making mistakes. Let people make mistakes 
and be ready to point to the lesson. Be ready to back up the student. Don't 
let them go too far but let them make the mistake. That is the surest way for 
them to learn.
    Shunning those who learn the hard way does not foster good paddling. 
There is that tiny number who will not learn and who will be a danger to 
themselves and others. Those are the ones who will be statistics and should 
be avoided.
    I'm a bit of the risk-averse type. I don't take chances I'm not very 
comfortable with. I do find myself in uncomfortable situations and once I get 
through them I'm elated. I almost always come away with knew knowledge and a 
bit more confidence. 
    What gets in the way of me learning is being protected by others too 
much. Because I'm afraid, though willing to try, sometimes we don't go 
forward. This holds true in a lot more spheres than paddling. Limitations on 
learning come from the best intentioned sources.
    In paddling, the paternalism of experienced paddlers limits the learning 
opportunities of new paddlers. This is the nebulous sphere of judgment. I'm 
in the category of new, so I have to depend on those with whom I paddle to 
determine if they are both willing and able to help me if I do get in over my 
head. If their sole criterion is will I get into trouble, I'll never get to 
expand my experience while I'm with them. I have to go without them to have 
learning opportunities. If they don't want to be bothered with being in 
"teaching mode" that day, fine, but I hope that this "they" will be open to 
letting me learn on their watch when the conditions are right.
    Classes certainly help but they are not real paddling experiences. All 
the theory thrown up here and on other lists is wonderful. I love it but it 
isn't paddling. I didn't learn to roll at my keyboard. I won't learn how to 
brace of my offside or handle following seas in this chair. I would love to 
have the security of a good, willing back-up with me when I'm out on the 
water learning.

Joan Spinner
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