SAFETY LINES
PADDLING SAFETY: IT IS NOT ABOUT US!
ASK A PRO
LEADERSHIP IS ONE OF THE HARDEST SKILLS TO TEACH IN THE OUTDOORS. WHAT TIPS AND TRICKS DO YOU HAVE TO SHAPE BETTER ON-WATER LEADERS?
Field experience is necessary to develop leaders. There are plenty of books that talk about leadership styles, but you can never substi- tute being on the water, observing someone in a leadership role and participating in decision-making.
Christopher Lockyer, Sea Kayak Instructor Trainer (Nova Scotia)
Mentors must consistently dem- onstrate positive leadership skills, offer opportunities to assume group responsibilities and pro- vide guided reflection and sincere feedback.
Mark Lund, Waterfront Instructor Trainer (Alberta)
Think of the decision that will benefit the group best instead of just the leader.
Nick Castro, Sea Kayak Instructor (British Columbia)
When a particular strength of an individual paddler is recognized, I will often have that student dem- onstrate that specific skill to the entire group. When each student is given a few minutes to shine
in front of the group, it improves their overall paddling confidence. This makes them better leaders.
Gord Casey, Lake Canoe Instructor (Newfoundland)
It’s easy to be a leader in sunny, calm weather when the group is warm and well fed. You need to forge leadership in a more challeng- ing furnace. Finally, be the leader you want your participants to be.
Michael Pardy, SUP Flatwater Instructor (British Columbia)
Strategy, communication, educa- tion and psychology (know your group) are critical leadership qualities.
Al Pace (Northwest Territories)
Unfortunately, I think we often try to teach leadership rather than lead. One of the most important aspects of teaching leadership is providing an example of how and what a leader acts and says at all times.
Charles Burchill, Style Canoeing Instructor Trainer (Manitoba)
These are exciting times for pad- dlers. Emerging boat and gear designs as well as exotic trip destinations continue to change how and where we paddle. Social media helps us to instantly share and broadcast our exploits, good or bad. There is no doubt that our activities and their media coverage are increasingly luring new thrill- seekers to our recreation. Paddle Canada’s Mission
proudly states that we are in business to “promote all forms of recreational paddling” and the safe use of canoes, kayaks and standup paddleboards. As Paddle Canada Instructors and as an organization, we must be national leaders in promoting paddlesports and water safety. Whether on or off the job, we have a responsibil- ity to demonstrate safe paddling practices to new and inexperience paddlers.
The main way that we can com- municate this message is through showing our years of experience by wearing the proper gear and paddling safely. Remember, it is what we do when we think no one is watching that really counts. The message for new paddlers must be: the pros wear the gear, so should I. Some argue that safety gear
may be inappropriate at times, of little potential use and maybe even dangerous under some condi- tions. I agree. However, we should all work hard to ensure that paddling legislation is up to date, easy to understand and use, and ultimately as safe as possible. Until then, follow the regulations
and wear the gear. What we do out there does make a difference!
ERIC WILLIAMS
President Emeritus Canoe Tripping Instructor Trainer
Director—Canadian Safe Boating Council
www.adventurekayakmag.com 59
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