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Seattle: Sea Kayaking: From the Nov 2006 meeting ...


Sun, November 26, 2006 10:10 AM

From the November 2006 SK Committee meeting:

(In lieu of a December meeting, there will be a presentation by Nigel Foster.)

Communication: Lee reported that on the Sea Kayak Community page the public can read all the forum postings, but only members can post items. If a posting is made anonymously, he or Steve can identify who made the posting.

Equivalency: Three people have been granted equivalency.

Leadership: One person is currently going through the leadership process.

Safety: Lee reported on a DVD produced by two BCU Level 5 sea coaches in North Wales, Leo Hoare and Olly Sanders. The DVD, reviewed in the June 2006 Sea Kayaker magazine, is a basic, down to earth video. It covers rescues, towing, and safety equipment and has a short segment by the English Coast Guard. The DVD is available through the Sea Kayaker magazine Store for $29.95. Lee found the following of interest:
  • It's done by people we're not used to being taught by, so it offers a slightly different perspective.
  • The rescue technique is first shown in flat water, then in rough water.
  • They use paddle leashes during all the rescues.
  • The sling rescue is different than any we've used.
  • The assisted rescue that Annette uses is shown and is called the "roll in rescue." The description is that you "do a rolly polly into the boat."
Social:
  • The Committee offered their thanks to Felicia for overseeing another great Graduation party.
  • Nigel Foster's "The History of Kayak Design" lecture is set for 5 December at 7:00 PM at REI.
  • Dede noted that she attended a lecture at the Port Townsend Symposium by Tim Mattson, a Greenland paddler. The presentation was about the mathematics and physics of kayaking. Dede noted that the presentation went very well and that perhaps Tim, as well as Steven Exe, could be asked to give a presentation for the Mountaineers. Dede will contact REI for room availability.
Training: Mike reported:
  • He, Carol, Sharon, and Roseanne attended an American Canoe Association Method's Update presented by Andree Hurley. Mike, Carol, and Sharon enjoyed the on-water activities, with Sharon participating in leadership scenarios. Roseanne videotaped the rescue demonstrations and stroke presentations at Coronet Bay. Sharon was upgraded to ACA Open Water Instructor status after she demonstrated excellent rescue and teaching skills in Deception Pass during high winds and standing waves.
  • The Roll Class is in full swing and going well.
  • The Paddler's Developmental Weekend (PDW) date is set for next year. The Environmental Leaning Center is reserved for the weekend of October 6th and 7th. Paddlers are encouraged to give Mike their ideas about topics they would like to teach. Training could be given to develop the class if needed.
Treasurer: Mary handed out and reviewed the most current financial report.

Trips: Leslie reported that a mentored winter trip is scheduled from Seahurst Part. And Alice Laird will be leading her Third Annual New Years Day paddle.

Naturalist: No updates at this time.

New Business:
  • Paddle Pin Awards: Ron Jones from the Mountaineers Olympia Branch talked about this motivational program set up in 2003. Paddlers are given Pins for completing any (or all) of the divisions. The divisions are: South Sound Inlets, South Sound Islands, and Riptides and Rapids. The Inlet trip must be a paddle of seven shoreline miles. The Island paddle must have the Islands circumnavigated uninterrupted. The Rips and Tides division paddle must be in the appropriate waters. Trips are listed in the Go Guide and any one is welcome to participate. There must be at least 3 paddlers to confirm the trip as completed.
  • Paddle Pin Awarded: Ron announced that Dede Chinlund had completed seven Inlet paddles. He presented her with the "Inlet Pin" award.
  • Basic Kayak Class - 2007: It was decided that there would be no major changes in the handbook. John Ressick will no longer be available to do the Safety segment in the class. Instead Sharon and Roseanne will do the segment on safety equipment that they give for the WKC Basic class. And it was felt by many that the Navigation class by Bob Rock was too long and complicated for most first time paddlers. Lisa proposed that Rob Gibbert could give a class that would be pared down for the students. Mike felt that the club had several paddlers who were well versed, and have taught, navigation. The navigation could be divided into 20 minute presentations, with hands on work at the mentor tables for another 30 minutes. The thought is to plan a 'trip' using the information presented in that evening's class, a chart, Tides and Current books, and weather predictions. Pictures could be taken of certain areas, and students could see what the landmark looked like on the chart. The Committee will meet this month to brainstorm fitting the concept into the existing format.

The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, 2 January 2007 at 7:00 PM at REI.