[Paddlewise] How do you measure a sea kayaker

Ian posted (snip):
>1 - What makes a top or "elite" sea kayak paddler?<

What kind of sea kayak paddler? A coastal paddler with excellent surf and
rock garden skills (like the Tsunami Rangers) is a hugely different animal
that a veteran blue water kayaker, say like John Dowd. Often, the skills and
assessment of same, including deep water rescue techniques, can be vastly
different. Ever seen a couple show up for a BCU course in a double Klepper?
I bet they had a fun time, eh?

Good luck with your discussion. Thanks for adding it to Paddlewise.
Full-circle here as always: certification, feathered vs unfeathered,
bulkheads vs bags, and so it goes. We need to discuss inflatable vs rigid
paddlefloats again. Oh sorry, forgot, they don't use those down-under. Have
a good debate Ian; I'll stop being cheeky.

BTW, you guys should really look at the BCU system a little closer. Most of
the best paddlers I know have had some level of exposure to it, though I
think it's foremost attribute is the development of very good coaching
skills and excellent coaches.

>2 - Is it possible to design an overall ranking system so that you know
exactly where you stand?  If not an overall system, how about a series of
benchmarks?<

The best overall ranking system is the ocean itself. Something John Dowd has
always maintained. I don't agree with everything the man pontificates about,
but he does speak volumes of common sense on this issue (the importance of
experience and judgement). I also think the BCU-styled system has many
advantages too in obtaining teachable and obtainable benchmarks with
codified yardsticks of attainment, though somewhat artificial at times. I'd
like to see folks in both camps pay better attention to each other, with a
little more respect.

Doug Lloyd
Victoria BC

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"Whatever can be said at all can be said clearly and whatever cannot be said
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Ludwig Wittgenstein
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