[Paddlewise] Group Dynamics

"...but actually is as secure as a PFD made of concrete."
Beautiful phrase Niels.

After different club paddle experiences here, I  think that smaller groups
of 4  to 6 paddlers are best. Anything larger is very hard to keep track of.
Larger groups are maybe best split into smaller units. As conditions worsen,
the group then buddies-up, two paddlers keeping an eye on each other. Groups
have lead and sweep paddlers.
Four paddlers gives a few options in rescue situations. I was recently in a
group of four paddlers, with one seriously seasick, on a long unlandable
shoreline. With four, one rafted up with the sick paddler to keep him
upright, and the other two towed. With three, only one would be towing. With
two, a contact tow would be necessary.
Group management is one of the hardest things in sea kayaking. Sea kayakers
tend to be self-sufficient types, hard to organize and discipline into safe
units. No wonder navies have strict command hierarchies.
PT, Melbourne, OZ.


***************************************************************************
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/
***************************************************************************