From: Goffma_at_aol.com > Does the wet-exit demonstration requirement apply to guided > groups? It would be a real burden here in Maine if you had to have > the entire group wet-exit into the frigid waters before you could > guide them around the lovely scenery. > Do they need to actually do a wet-exit before going paddling in case > they flip? I would say no - if the boats and skirts are selected > properly so that they release easily. Mark, I have to say that after 4 years of teaching beginners to kayak I am now fully convinced that a preliminary wet-exit is necessary. I have yet to see _anyone_ (including swimmers) fail to get at minimum disoriented and at worst panic when they capsize for the first time. If it is an unintentional capsize the reaction is almost always worse. Spending 30 minutes on a pre-trip practice capsize is the only way to alleviate this. Once over is worth more than hours of lecturing and "practicing" sitting on the ground. The cold water should not deter the practice - it should make it more necessary. If someone were to unintentionally capsize for the first time while you are all in your boats you are much less likely to give them the same level of help as when you are standing next to them in the water. I think the cold water would enhance the panic response even if it's not cold-shock level. You could have a lender dry-suit for practice so they can not be cold & wet when they begin the trip. BTW - the water doesn't need to be challenging. Most novice capsizes seem to be in flat calm with a little trip over the paddle. You may be lucky and never have the situation -- it's your call. Jennifer -- Jennifer Pivovar jpivovar_at_headwinds.org *************************************************************************** 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 Fri Jun 08 2007 - 06:13:27 PDT
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