Who are we?..... really

[subaruguru]

Thanks everyone, I have a better understanding. My misunderstanding was that perhaps L3 and above paddlers wouldn't want to be on a L2 trip becuase it may be boring...

Now I see that it is mostly because of feeling uncomfortable with the responsibility.

That's correct, but to be honest it certainly is the case that experienced paddlers on occasion would rather be exercising their skills rather than being in teacher mode. We paddle highly refined kayaks and practice for years for several reasons. Sometimes it's too easy to fall prey to the fear that posting an L2 trip might result in a woefully unprepared newbie showing up underdressed in a rec boat, and thus risk ruining the day. But we're learning to establish highly focused guidelines for paddle management within CAM.

One of the options available is for larger groups to break into smaller ones at a beach briefing, for example.

But having an enthusiastic, motivated novice, as you certainly seem to be, (congrats on the Avocet!) along on a paddle will almost always engender a great learning experience for all, as teaching becomes its own reward. So don't be reticent to join paddles, ask lots of questions, and learn by doing. Those who might need to rock-play, surf, race, will probably do so anyway, but only if there's assurance that L2 paddlers are well-protected.

It's VERY clear to me that growth only occurs through challenge; the key is to manage it safely.

It's helpful to understand that the redefining process for "instructor" and "initiator", although fuzzy and perhaps recycled, is critical to how we organize our paddles within our newly-defined CAM model. Many L3 paddlers (inc me) have been uncomfortable "LEADING" L2

paddlers. With the club's serious focus now on instilling personal responsibility within the CAM model, we'll hope to see a broadening and more inclusive range of paddles sparked by "INITIATORS" (any of us!) who will have tools available through training (see the workshops coming up!) to direct and manage safe trips collectively.

[spider]

Pretty deep subject here.

If someone asks me about NSPN I think of it as mostly a north shore club with about 10 or 20 active members, mostly middle aged with some exceptions. Friendly enough folks.

That's probably over simplified but that's about all I think of when asked.

I see the Seacoast paddlers as a growing group of people and NSPN as a more "been "there done that" organization... but probably not the most eloquent way to phrase it.

I know I didn't join any of the NSPN paddles for fear of not being good enough for the 1st year or two then joined in for a few to see If I was holding my own and meet some nice folks and learn some new areas to paddle.

Now I'm kinda fading out of it , I think you always tend to seek out people of similar interests, so while there is common interest in some areas, you might fine tune it to perhaps different subjects. NSPN might be strong in winter skill sessions or lakes, but if your interest are Natural History or wilderness tripping then it seems a natural progression to move on.

A group needs a continuing influx of new folks to keep it fresh or it runs the risk of withering.

How much effort a group wants to put into attracting new folks is a tough one to call.

[NPSheehan]

First off I'd like to state that the "Group up north, Meetup Group and other references to New England Seacoast Paddlers should be clarified. This group although using Meetup.com for it's fancy schmancy web site is far from the typical Meetup mentality and focus. We started off as a paddling group 7+ years ago with a goal of organizing trips for experienced and novice kayakers to interact and have a safe and enjoyable time in kayaks.

http://NESeacoastPaddlers.org/about/

Our calendar has events for all paddling abilities and we promote advancement via pool sessions, skill sessions as well as professional instruction. Our organizers and members are of all levels and abilities. I think the major difference between NE Seacoast Paddlers and NSPN other than a Board of Directors is that we have regularly scheduled events on our calendar for all kayaker levels. Similar to NSPN, we as a group encourage people to advance their skills if they have a desire to and offer opportunities for them to do so.

I think in many ways NSPN & NE Seacoast Paddlers can be complimentary towards one another and can be mutually beneficial to each other. We'd love for NSPN folks to post events on our Calendar as well as NSPN folks to offer to be assistant organizers on any of our events. We also welcome all NSPN members to join us anytime.

http://neseacoastpaddlers.org/calendar/list/

Neil

[Gcosloy]

First off I'd like to state that the "Group up north, Meetup Group and other references to New England Seacoast Paddlers should be clarified. This group although using Meetup.com for it's fancy schmancy web site is far from the typical Meetup mentality and focus. We started off as a paddling group 7+ years ago with a goal of organizing trips for experienced and novice kayakers to interact and have a safe and enjoyable time in kayaks.

http://NESeacoastPaddlers.org/about/

Our calendar has events for all paddling abilities and we promote advancement via pool sessions, skill sessions as well as professional instruction. Our organizers and members are of all levels and abilities. I think the major difference between NE Seacoast Paddlers and NSPN other than a Board of Directors is that we have regularly scheduled events on our calendar for all kayaker levels. Similar to NSPN, we as a group encourage people to advance their skills if they have a desire to and offer opportunities for them to do so.

I think in many ways NSPN & NE Seacoast Paddlers can be complimentary towards one another and can be mutually beneficial to each other. We'd love for NSPN folks to post events on our Calendar as well as NSPN folks to offer to be assistant organizers on any of our events. We also welcome all NSPN members to join us anytime.

http://neseacoastpaddlers.org/calendar/list/

Neil

Neil,

So there be no confusion my comment "Conversely, if one needs to limit the venue to lakes and streams and harbors I daresay there aren't going to be too many more advanced paddlers willing to do that with the noted exception of Neil, Doug and company up north a ways", was meant as a statement of fact and not a judgment pro or con. Personally, I am a fan and admirer of what you guys have done. When I move to East Portsmouth (Kittery) later next month I hope to meet up with you folks on some of your trips.

[NPSheehan]

Neil,

So there be no confusion my comment "Conversely, if one needs to limit the venue to lakes and streams and harbors I daresay there aren't going to be too many more advanced paddlers willing to do that with the noted exception of Neil, Doug and company up north a ways", was meant as a statement of fact and not a judgment pro or con. Personally, I am a fan and admirer of what you guys have done. When I move to East Portsmouth (Kittery) later next month I hope to meet up with you folks on some of your trips.

Not a problem! Your welcome to join in you when you move to Kittery. Although our calendar doesn't show them we do have more advanced events which are typically advertised to members through our Message Board Trips & Events Forum. It's difficult to rate a Level 3+ event far in advance on the calendar as there is no advance way of knowing what the sea state will be. A Level 2 event on the calendar may be changed to Level 3+ if the sea state at the time for the event warrants it. I've posted dozens of ocean paddles on the through the winter months up to current date which were what I would consider at least Level 3. So we're not just flat water paddlers

Neil