: Rob,

: I think you hit the nail on the head. Since we as kayakers have the most to
: gain by increasing safety and awareness it should be up to us to promote
: these things and take the initiative. By us and our clubs working in
: cooperation with retailers we should organize more FREE "basic skills
: clinics" or other such activities that get more novice paddlers to
: events where they can start to build friendships with club members in a
: non-intimidating way (showing up for a regularly scheduled club paddle can
: be intimidating) and learn some basic skills, rescue techniques, and the
: importance of safety equipment and the need to use it (ie PFDs, spray
: skirts, paddle floats, etc).

: This serves everyones interests in that people are more likely to join a club
: if they already have meet some members through these clinics. Those who
: chose not to join clubs have still had the benefit of some education. And
: the retailers gain because they will likely sell more spray skirts, bilge
: pumps, etc.

: Just some thoughts

: Rich

From spring through fall, I do practices on several local lakes once or twice a week in the evenings after work. Sometimes I do practices with my sea kayak club. More often than not, I do it alone or with several paddling buddies informally. I find more recreational kayakers coming up to me to ask quesitons when I am alone or with a couple of folks. I think it's because I/we look less intimidating. Also, the club practices require membership or a signing of a waiver and a $5 fee. I think as a first "meet", it's a turn of for folks who "just want to paddle" though they can greatly benefit from the knowledge and skills development in these practices (and, of course, they wouldn't know that at first). Anyway, I always spend some time with folks who ask. Afterwards, when they're enthusiastic, I tell them they can benefit from regular practices scheduled by the club and that they should consider joining.

sing