Kathea and Ken writes: > Dear Jack: > The Ear in the Water Test requires one to get an ear wet by means of a > deep brace, a roll or a self rescue, and is required by me for participation > in any trip I lead that I feel has any degree of exposure or risk. I always > advertise the test with the trip so no one will get surprised by it. I also > make myself available to some extent to help prepare people to pass the > test. It keeps me from having to take responsibility for, or figure what to > do about, people who aren't ready to capsize in cold water. I don't like to > go out in kayaks with people who aren't prepared to capsize in cold water, > so I don't. > > Ken Rasmussen > In the Inland Sea Kayakers club, we require that each big water trip member demonstrate before the trip that he or she can do both a self rescue and an assisted rescue, the latter both as rescuer and rescuee. Not only does this give the trip leader some confidence in the paddler's abilities, but it encourages club members to practice their rescues. Also, if this can be done in front of the trip leader at our weekly evening paddle, it gives the trip leader an opportunity to evaluate the person's general paddling style and abilities. We also publish lists of required and recommended gear, which may include a wet suit or dry suit, depending on water temperature (Lake Superior surface water temperature was officially 38 degrees F. last Memorial Day!). Chuck Holst *************************************************************************** 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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