[Paddlewise] group dynamics

I think Peter T has hit on it, when he writes that we seakayakers tend to be
an individualistic lot.  I don't know any folk who get into the sport
because they are 'clubbies'. This is not to say there should not be clubs,
or club rules concerning group paddles.
But my experience is that there will always be a tension out there on the
water between our natural inclinations to 'do our own thing' and the group.
My experience is that this tension is never really resolved, even on well
run trips.
Our club in NSW has clear and practical group rules, which, if we are
honest, we have to admit  are broken just about every trip.
I am as guilty as the next bloke/blokette !  I recall a group leaders'
course, where we were actually practicing group spread/ roles etc. And it
was a beautiful day on the ocean, we were actually behaving ourselves, ie,
trying to keep in 'formation' .
Lo and behold, a beautiful ocean breeze sprang up, and those of us with
sails just couldn't resist.  Within minutes our group was spread over miles
of ocean.  Those of us with sails sped away downwind,  having a marvelous
time.
I remember thinking at the time, 'here we are, experienced kayakers
supposedly trying to discipline ourselves to a group structure, and look
what happens...!'
I just think the buddy system is the best practical safety solution;  and
short of military-standard discipline actually enforced on the water, groups
will always tend to  naturally break down.  And the bigger the group and
more disparate the skill levels, the more likely this will happen.
Peter Rattenbury, Wollongong, NSW

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