As one with a bit of fear about being upside down in watery environs.... Personally, I found a pool with clear water, a person dedicated to 'helping' me capsize slowly (easing me into the water), and a snorkel mask were helpful. I know some will scoff at using a mask - those aren't real world conditions. But for this gal the point is getting over the fear. Then work to real world conditions. If the person helping you capsize also has a mask, you can capsize the person, then go under and have a 'chat' with them - keep them calm, show them the loop on their skirt - prevent them from popping too fast. Make make them count fingers with you to ten before popping....then 15...then 20....etc. Of course, dry runs at skirt popping help. People fear the unknown. Talk about things that could cause entrapment - that go through them one by one and knock them down - "shoe laces can be problems"...that is why you have neoprene boots on with no laces". Removing the unknowns is important IMHO. I 'get' the whole fear of capsize - these are my suggestions. Not based on years of teaching or deep thoughts of any kind! K *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************Received on Mon Aug 02 2004 - 11:44:38 PDT
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