[Paddlewise] mandatory training

Also for the record, I wonder if Craig is edging toward mandatory training for
kayakers before they get wet?  

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I'll
cast the first vote.. Yes

My first experience was a date, the woman was a
kayaker with, I think, 8 years experience, I though that sounded good and I'd
be safe. We rented a double and set out on Corte Madera Creek with her at the
aft position, steering. We left in the usual 15+, probably more like 20
because we were amongst a bunch of short chop and white caps, knot wind and
proceeded to paddle. Even with rudder, we couldn't keep it under control
either with or against the wind. I think had it not been for my strength we
may have had a long walk back.

True, I was really in no real danger, but no
one gave us any indication of the hazards of the weather (lots of white caps
with strong winds) or what to do if disaster struck. They simply asked if we
had paddled before, I said no, she said yes and off we went. later I found out
those 8 years were perfect conditions, flat water paddling and this was as bad
of condition as she has seen. She had no experience with self rescue of any
sort. 

With my experience now, which includes a sometimes successful CtoC
roll and several solo re-entry's as well as wet suit and all the basic safety
gear, I wouldn't start a journey in those conditions.

Blue Water Kayaking on
Tomales won't let you have a sit in w/o basic training, but you can rent a sit
on top. Having taken that course, and three other beginner courses at various
locations with different outfitters, I don't recall one talking about COLREGS
and your place within the eyes of the law, forget the tonnage rule.

Yes, in
addition to how to get in a boat, the importance of self rescue and how
weather can ruin your day, I would like to see the very basic rules of the
road taught at a basic before you get on the water class.

Mike,
San Rafael
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