On Wed, Jan 28, 2009 at 1:02 PM, Dave Kruger <kdruger_at_pacifier.com> wrote: > > I am NOT advocating a similar requirement for paddlers; in fact, because we > have the potential to harm mainly just ourselves, I see no need for such a > requirement, as a way of "ensuring public safety." But, I am a strong > advocate for training for paddlers ... as a means of self-protection. This goes back to the certification thread: who determines whether the trainer is qualified? The *star* system certainly has some merit with its separate tracks for paddlers and coaches. The first three paddler-level stars are no worse than what I'd expect any open-water kayaker to be able to do anyway. There is a significant jump to 4 and 5, however. It's hard to defend a stance advocating no training at all for kayakers and especially for group leaders but I suspect training for most leaders is on an ad hoc basis; if that. Some of my opposition to the BCU system is that it requires certified coaches to maintain membership in order to keep their credentials. Then there is the plethora of income potential from the various strata. Still, what else is there? Perhaps we need something more like the Power Squadrons. No "membership" required (and, yes, I understand that BCU doesn't require membership for the lower stars) and all done by volunteers. Most kayakers aren't big joiners, anyway. >From your description of the "leader" of your novices and his glaring at you, I suspect Mike is right; he thought they all had the legal "right of way". But they did not. In fact, given the circumstances, you probably had more of a claim to the right of way by virtue of you inability to maneuver easily in a restricted channel. (I wouldn't want to rely on that defense in a small powerboat, however.) That was someone who is clearly in need of some enlightenment. Very interesting discussion. Craig Jungers Moses Lake, WA *************************************************************************** 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 Wed Jan 28 2009 - 13:46:17 PST
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