: 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

They also help to build a greater "safety culture" among less novice paddlers. After 3 years of doing these, I've seen a noticeable difference among the paddlers I come across.

: 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.

Good clubs are great for safety skills. Bad clubs are worse than no clubs at all.

: And
: the retailers gain because they will likely sell more spray skirts, bilge
: pumps, etc.

Same with retailers!

: Rich