In the Portland, OR, metro area, two sea kayaking organizations have taken different tacks to these issues. I do not know the details of either, just the scurrilous gossip for each. Sanitized versions below, to stimulate more authoritative responses from both groups. OOPS (Oregon Ocean Paddling Society): long-time broad-based group accomodating multiple skill levels from novice to expert, which went through a metamorphosis about 10 years ago, centered on the liability exposure of officers and board members. Seems to have a decent training program, shepherded by kind and generous souls. OOPS: http://www.oopskayak.org/about_us.htm Note their trips policy statement: http://www.oopskayak.org/documents/Policies.rtf Shellbacks: much newer, elite group, focused on high-skill paddling, with a quasi-military-style organization, Not democratic at all. Membership by invitation only. Don't know what they do about insurance, but perhaps the founder, Steve Scherrer, can be enticed to elaborate on that. Has some of the most aggressive paddlers in our area, including a strong focus on formal certification and skill development. Shellbacks: http://www.shellback.net/about.html Note the "Crew Only Area" accessed from their Home page. -- Dave Kruger Astoria, OR *************************************************************************** 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 Thu Jun 30 2005 - 17:15:05 PDT
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