Re: [Paddlewise] Group Dynamics - Feedback....

Fernando said in reply to Kirby:
<snip>
A group is a group when all its members want to stay together. When this
doesn't happen, then the group doesn't exist as a group no more.
<snip>

Wow! That about says it all Fernando.

Well, I haven't done a lot of large group paddles with the VCKC club,
only the Victoria Network. The Network paddle outings are well-know for
their less-than-ridgid style, and that is what sets them apart. Accept
that, or don't go. But the Club paddles are usually well organized and
safety basics always given high priority. But the club paddles are not
usually large group affairs, so I tend to think this trip Kirby was on
was a little bit of an anomaly.

Generally, I would take the opportunity if I had been Kirby to stay with
the group, done a little gentle mentoring, attempted to communicate my
concerns as a learning point (leaving me behind, etc.). I would have
apologized for being late to the put in, and found out if I had done
something wrong, etc. With a new boat, I would have made sure to be
there ahead of the group so as to make sure the footpegs were adjusted,
etc. There was a bit of a choppy forecast for the day, know ahead of
time, and I would have caught up to the group and kept an eye on the
newer paddlers, once I had sized up the paddlers, etc.

Another issue raised is that of trip start times. There should be a rule
in place that late arrivals or persons with boat problems at the put in
be left with a couple of volunteers. With a large group this isn't a
problem logistically. With a small group (of good friends) they usually
wait for you. Also, what folks may conceive or perceive you are thinking
can be based on previous experience with that paddler. On the open
coast, my friends know I usually take off for rock garden forays. Also,
I often hang back near the end of the day, not because I'm exhausted,
but because I like to mellow out and take in the view near the take-out.
My friends know this. Perhaps some of the other paddlers have had some
prior observations of your paddling habits that made them think a
certain way.

I like what was said on the list about not forgetting the experienced
paddlers in one's concern for safety on the water. Look at me: I'm sure
the same thing could have happened to me as happened to Kirby, and
probably there would have even been less concern for me. I'm usually on
the outside in 40-knot winds. But right now, I have to stay close to
shore in calm water only. Any one of us experienced types could have a
temporary health concern, or succumb to hypothermia for some weird
reason. So group paddles should follow some basic provisos -- but it can
all depend upon the people, and you get different combinations on a trip
at times.

There's nothing like having a few good paddling buddies who you know and
trust. As far as the VCKC paddles are concerned, we had a safety-bitch
(term of endearment) a few years ago. She was awesome (I thought),
always making sure folks wore their PFD's, ensuring compliance with the
club's code for immersion apparel -- yet, many resented her and figured
she was the safety police. Sure, a happy medium is always nice, but once
you have found that median, there are still folks unhappy on either side
of the extreme. You can't win.

It sounds like Kirby had a good day and hopefully learned a few things.
That sounds successful to me. I've been on the bad end of poor group
dynamics, as well as the one dishing out poor treatment. It's all a
learning game, in both cases. Just keep a positive attitude and look for
the teachable moments and make an attempt to improve things for next
time. That's my take. Gotta go for now...

Doug

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