tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229165120605701126.post5277985666187430063..comments2024-03-13T17:02:58.752-06:00Comments on mark tozer's blog: BCU 5* Sea Award - ThoughtsSea Kayak Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12372699464975270081noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229165120605701126.post-50669610819658781682011-03-28T15:02:16.385-06:002011-03-28T15:02:16.385-06:00I have just read over your blog on the 5 * Sea Awa...I have just read over your blog on the 5 * Sea Award. Well done. You kept it simple, short, lots of pictures, and easy to read.<br /><br />Hope your days a great and you are getting on the water often.<br /><br />This is one of my next steps and I look forward to it. Even more so after this read!Jeff Laxierhttp://www.liquidfusionkayak.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229165120605701126.post-7189246428424808072011-03-26T00:09:30.824-06:002011-03-26T00:09:30.824-06:00Some reference 5* as a "you can take anyone, ...Some reference 5* as a "you can take anyone, anywhere award". That means that one cannot draw on 'local knowledge' only. In 5* IMHO one should be able to interpret (with research) any paddling area for leading a suitable competent group for that area/conditions. How many UK 5* paddlers (and L5 Sea coaches) not have had 'hairy' moments on US pacific coasts ;-)) and added to their experience? Will be a challenge for a 5* assessor to 'assess' the 'proper' knowledge, mindset and awareness of a 5* leader to be. The skills is the easy part to assess IMHO. Lucky to have joined on quite a few 5* assessments. Enjoy the L5-A5 path! AxelAxelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05775852165985579688noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6229165120605701126.post-87519894274140049582011-03-25T11:11:37.133-06:002011-03-25T11:11:37.133-06:00The leadership element of the 5* requires you to b...The leadership element of the 5* requires you to be within your comfort zone at all times when leading others. Leading in advanced conditions in unknown waters should be reserved for the very brave or expeditions, and is the upper limit of the award. Not many Assessors require you to go through that level of intensity.<br /><br /> IMHO, to comfortably look after a group you need to be familiar with your surroundings, so in the event of an emergency or change of plan you can make realistic decisions rather than educated guesses. There lies the distinction between 5* Inland and 5* Sea: at sea you cannot scout from the bank to make decisions.Aled Williamsnoreply@blogger.com