Re: [Paddlewise] Teaching Kids: Looking for sources

Niels Blaauw <niels.blaauw_at_wanadoo.nl> wrote:
>I teach that way because that's what I like. I try it with adults too,
>but it's much harder with them. But apart from being fun for me, I
also
>think playing is the best way to learn. Playing gives room for trying
>things out, for making your own mistakes, and for overcoming your own
>fears at your own speed.

I love kayak polo or kayak "ultimate frisbee" for playing with adults. 
They get a lot more competitive than kids, so that forces them to
forget a lot of their concentrations (on tipping, jobs, dinner, etc.).

If you get into a very heated game, capsizes can happen with
regularity--if one can't roll, it's a perfect opportunity for rescue
practice.  Demo rescues and some strokes, and just go play.

I've haven't often convinced beginner adult students of the need for a
good draw stroke until they're playing and the ball or 'bee is 4' off
to the side, and another player is coming in fast after it...you'll see
some great draw strokes then--why paddle in a 20' circle to come back
to it when you can take 3 good draw strokes?!

*evil grin* draw strokes also provide excellent rescue practice
opportunities.  And...if it happens as part of a game, folks are less
tense and upset about capsizing.  When someone capsizes, play stops
until they're back in their boat, skirt fastened.  With better
paddlers, play doesn't stop, and hand checks become a major tactic! ;) 
(of course, you probably know this, kayak polo being much more popular
in Europe than it is in North America).

Best regards,
Shawn

__________________________________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Mail Plus - Powerful. Affordable. Sign up now.
http://mailplus.yahoo.com
***************************************************************************
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/
***************************************************************************