A good paddlerA while ago one of my friends made a comment on our newsgroup about the big (read, best) three paddlers in the province. They certainly are excellent paddlers but possibly others could be placed at the level also.
I would hope that theses people are better paddlers than I am. For example, Jim P has been paddling in excess of 30 years or more than 50% of his life. I've been paddling about 10% and would have to live in excess of 100 to hit 50% in order to be as proficient.
There will always be people who will exceed me in any category, there's no point in making comparisons. I'm just glad that there are better paddlers - these people I can learn from.
Well, I have been paddling for less than 6% of my life then... But if you look at how much our little group has packed into the last couple of years, Tony, and if we keep it up in the next few years maybe we will actually catch up to some of the those better paddlers out there...
ReplyDeleteIn my view, some of the best paddlers are the ones that impart their experience and skills upon the rest of us through the giving of their time and knowledge...
Dean gives one perspective as to the "best", being those who give back the most. That is valid in its way. By best, I meant the master mariners of sea kayaking, those who understand the ocean most profoundly, who navigates unerringly in the thickest fog and who can survive the most brutal conditions. They are my "best" because they are men (or women) of the sea, accomplished in their element.
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with you Dean that we have made some giant leaps forward in the last couple of years. A big reason for that is we are willing to learn and push the envelope. We'll get better still but catch the likes of Jim, Richard and Ian ... that will take some doing.
ReplyDeleteMalcolm, you are right. I understand what you're saying. There's more to being an excellent paddler than sticking your paddle in the water. Becoming a master mariner means putting in time on the ocean, looking, paying attention and absorbing. Some of these things I can learn by reading and watching but ultimately it means getting out there and doing.
Tony :-)
Fringe.
ReplyDeleteIt seems every kayak group has em. Even our group here in Ottawa does...and Im in the fringe movement in that group. That's what really makes joining a group worth it. Sure you see the experts out for the social outings and on occasion but it's the group of guys and gal messing about in boats that attracts me. I'll be joining KNL once I get down.
You'll be right at home then Lee with KNL and the group that meets regularly at St. Philips on Thursday evenings. Messing about in boats is one good way to learn new skills or to practice already learned skills. Looking forward to meeting you when you land.
ReplyDeleteTny :-)