Hello again everyone,

Following on heals of the Self Assessment worksheet, I am instituting a new (and hopefully improved) process for our events.  It was inevitable that as we grew and matured as a group that we would need to give more attention to our processes.  As mentioned previously, we pride ourselves in being very inclusive.  The last thing I would want to hear is that someone felt that our group was clickish.  I continue to think it is important that we give everyone the chance to be on the water.

That said, I also want to make sure that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy each paddle without having to be concerned with assisting other paddlers except in extreme circumstances.  So, along with the self assessment worksheet, I am proposing we do the following for each event:

• Participants arrive at time specified on the posted event.  We will now launch 1 hour after the posted time.   This should give everyone time to unload and prepare to launch.

• We will review the roster to record attendees.  (Those who are not present for briefing will not be considered part of the group).  We will review expected skill level for the event using self-assessment worksheet to give everyone a clear expectation of what could be expected on the water.

• We will conduct a safety talk, discuss the particulars of the event and perform an equipment check – Always a Personal Flotation Device.  Radio frequency will also be selected.

• Partner each paddler by group – Sharks / Bat-rays.  Each kayaker will partner with another kayaker in the same group. 

The goal of partnering is to stay together and assist each other if necessary.  It is expected that each team will raft up every hour for a progress check.  Each partner team will evaluate if they feel capable of proceeding.  Each team will consider conditions heading in the opposite direction as well (particularly winds picking up as the day progresses).

• As each team returns to the launch point, they will locate the roster posted on the event hosts car and sign in before leaving for the day.

I will produce a printable version for use by all and post that as well.  (pdf version)

Open to all suggestions and comments.

 

Jerry

 

 

--
Please Note: If you hit "REPLY", your message will be sent to everyone on this mailing list ([address removed])
This message was sent by Meetup on behalf of Jerry Olson from Kayakers' Alliance.
To report this message or block the sender, please click here
To unsubscribe from special announcements from your Organizer(s), click here

Meetup, POB 4668 #37895 NY NY USA 10163 | [address removed]