How to properly (or creatively) use tie down straps, especially if you have a big group and shuttle often; when and how to do a group safety brief before putting on a section that’s new to some or highly consequential; how to maintain your gear so it lasts and remains effective; how to pack your boat for various situations or trips; hand signals and other forms of communication; and so much more!!
Throwline accuracy. Knowing where to put particular gear so it is quickly accessible. Being able to identify where on the river you'll be most useful at any given point if something does go wrong with one of your group.
The ability to describe a river. As well as being able to understand descriptions of others (friends or guidebooks etc.). Are two essential skills for anyone more than a beginner in my opinion. If you are not able to convey properly what a river is you can seriously endanger your group and misunderstanding a description can similarly endanger yourself.
So true. Thanks for sharing! On the flip side of this coin, though, is the ability to read a river and scout for oneself. Over-reliance on 'beta' can be unhealthy too.
I think if you are paddling as friends, then you have to remember, if anything goes wrong that the most qualified paddler could be held responsible. Training is really important and should be visited often, as experience is key. Often people know what they need to do, but as you stated in the video, it needs to be practised, rehearsed so it is second nature.
Thanks Gail. For me, it's less about being "held responsible" - thankfully we don't really have a massive litigation culture here in the UK - and more having that level of maturity to want the best outcomes for others. Not something I get right all the time - far from it - but that's the goal!
That’s a disincentive to do formal qualifications for fear of being held responsible in court if the worst happens. Training and courses to improve yes, but formal qualifications not so much.
How to properly (or creatively) use tie down straps, especially if you have a big group and shuttle often; when and how to do a group safety brief before putting on a section that’s new to some or highly consequential; how to maintain your gear so it lasts and remains effective; how to pack your boat for various situations or trips; hand signals and other forms of communication; and so much more!!
Definitely. All of these, especially the communication skills/awareness, are so important!
All your videos are great but this one is one of your best 👍 what an important and powerful message 🙏
Wow! Thank you. That is such an encouragement!
Throwline accuracy. Knowing where to put particular gear so it is quickly accessible. Being able to identify where on the river you'll be most useful at any given point if something does go wrong with one of your group.
So true. All of these are vital, learnable and lesser-considered. But they're all unquestionably kayaking.
This is so true
The ability to describe a river. As well as being able to understand descriptions of others (friends or guidebooks etc.). Are two essential skills for anyone more than a beginner in my opinion.
If you are not able to convey properly what a river is you can seriously endanger your group and misunderstanding a description can similarly endanger yourself.
So true. Thanks for sharing! On the flip side of this coin, though, is the ability to read a river and scout for oneself. Over-reliance on 'beta' can be unhealthy too.
@Matthew Brook Coaching definitely! Rivers change, others might have different paddling styles, and scouting is half the fun of course.
I think if you are paddling as friends, then you have to remember, if anything goes wrong that the most qualified paddler could be held responsible.
Training is really important and should be visited often, as experience is key. Often people know what they need to do, but as you stated in the video, it needs to be practised, rehearsed so it
is second nature.
Thanks Gail. For me, it's less about being "held responsible" - thankfully we don't really have a massive litigation culture here in the UK - and more having that level of maturity to want the best outcomes for others. Not something I get right all the time - far from it - but that's the goal!
That’s a disincentive to do formal qualifications for fear of being held responsible in court if the worst happens. Training and courses to improve yes, but formal qualifications not so much.