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Sea Kayaks Techniques Bulletin Board
Re: Certification
Posted By: M. Hamilton In Response To: Re: Certification (Greg Stamer)
Date: Friday, 8 December 2000, at 3:54 p.m.
I agree 100% with Greg here. I have paddled for many years and taught likewise without a certification. Actually this seems a newer phenominon, and frankly I have been unimpressed by some who have these stars - wondering how the hell they ever got them! Many on this board refer to my non-certified friend George Gronseth who I think runs an outstanding school, and is a superb paddler. I think his standards are far in excess of the cert. programs. Another buddy who is an ex champion surfer and former Olympic team coach tells a story of a gold medalist river boater who was also an excellent sea kayaker! He challenged the BCU course and obviously blew it away, but they failed him because he did not have a flask of tea! Pretty easy to see what's going on there! So I have mixed emotions, and would judge a paddler / instructor / leader based on their skills, experience, and judgement rather than a piece of paper. Having said that I think these courses / programs do far more good than harm, and certainly can only enhance one's learning and experience. They help employers recognize that at least the instructor/ applicant has had prooven training! So I like the trend overall, as I've stated before I think the industry is lacking in competent instruction, and has not done so well to educate and prepare new folks. My only caution is that some may take this too seriously. Take care MH
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