Paddlewisers, My goodness, I've never read so much talk about not much. First, in regards to the Golden Gate Sea Kayak Symposium (www.ggsks.com), it was a world-class training event. I felt humbled being around so many highly skilled, fascinating and fun paddlers, both students and coaches alike. I can't wait to go again next year. Second, in regards to the trip leader, Jim Kennedy, a Level 5 BCU coach from Ireland, he made his decision to turn around based on the best information that he had and with everyone's safety in mind. There were a lot of grumpy faces on the paddle back in, but that's just the burden a leader has to carry. I suspect Mark Sanders was also angry at me when I canceled a crossing trip last year due to concerns about a weather forecast that didn't pan out. Third, paddling back in against nearly max ebb tide under the Golden Gate was great experience. Nobody was in danger either. There was the on-call safety skiff, which ended up being used because it was convenient. There was also a nice sandy beach with picnic tables not far down current, where it would've been comfortable to wait for the current to slow. From that beach there was also a trail leading to a road. At it turned out, a couple of other BCU coaches also had their group come back in the Golden Gate during max ebb tide a couple days later and also used the skiff. Don't forget that the symposium is all about learning. Fourth, in regards to immersion gear, the "important information" page on the event website states, "...wetsuits & drysuits are recommended. A good paddling top is a must have..." Anyway, there's no such thing as bad publicity, and my guess is that the symposium will quickly max out with attendance next year. You can see all the fun I had through my photos at: http://duane.smugmug.com/gallery/7083843_rxXaa#454037030_vtSxC Duane www.rollordrown.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/ ***************************************************************************Received on Tue Jan 13 2009 - 21:45:04 PST
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