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