Whitewater Symposium (Think Tank) in second Year, getting better, and lots came out of it

October 25, 2004

The Whitewater think tank as I like to call it was
a gathering of all who chose to attend in instruction, manufacturing,
dealers, clubs, and outdoor programs. There were two main groups, the
presenters and the attendees. The presenters have plenty to learn from
the attendees, so it is pretty even. The premise is that by getting many
of the makers, shakers, and doers in one place with the goal of communicating
what is new, what the direction of the sport should be, what is good and
bad, etc. etc. we can improve kayaking for everybody.

Here is what I learned. The concept is great, and this
particular symposium will be considered a success by anybody who came.
What is also apparent is that what exactly we should do with the presenters
ideas, or even more importantly, the ideas that came from the informal
discussions that took place.

Here are some examples of topics of discussion in a
formal, moderated, format. “The ideal roll- what is the best roll
to teach people.” “The trends in the industy, the next 5 years.”
Boat designs for niche markets, women, children. And more. I think it
worked out well in that there were many qualified people presenting their
ideas on where things are going.

I had Emily and Dane helping me show people how to
teach the roll in 15 minutes or less. I did some strokes and concepts
classes, and several panel discussions. All fun, all worthwhile. I hope
that next year all manufacturers and instructors will come with an agenda.

So, Clay Wright taught his safety clinic and it was
the full river run, complete with all kinds of information from group
dynamics, to scouting, etc. here are some of the folks who attended.

Well, I am off to bed.

🙂 EJ