Sara Ramsay
As a part of their annual review process, members from each of The Mountaineers sea kayaking committees met in Tacoma on February 10 for the 2018 Sea Kayaking Summit. During this meeting, the group discussed a wide variety of topics, including ways to make The Mountaineers sea kayaking programs more accessible and consistent.
The following branches were present at this year's Summit:
Following the 2018 Sea Kayaking Summit, representatives from each of the above branches discussed and approved several changes to the Sea Kayaking Minimum Standards. These changes were then submitted to the Branch Leadership Committee, who unanimously voted to approve the updated document at their meeting on April 18, 2018!
What are Activity Standards?
All activities at The Mountaineers have written standards that define leader prerequisites and qualifications, trip standards and difficulties, and major course curriculum. The Branch Leadership Committee oversees Activities Summits and approves updates and changes to Activity Standards, ensuring that these standards take into account the unique needs of each branch. Learn more about Clubwide Activity Standards in our Board Policies!
Summary of Changes
- Clarified that Basic Sea Kayaking Course Equivalency candidates must do their required paddle with the sponsoring branch, as determined at the 2017 Summit.
- Updated the wording of the Leader Qualifications, as determined at the 2017 Summit.
- Clarified the wording of the "Equivalency" section to eliminate an implied “doubling down” of skill demonstration, as discussed after the 2018 Summit.
Thank you to all of the branches and committees for participating in the 2018 Sea Kayaking Summit! If you are interested to learn more about Activity Summits, or if there is a topic that you would like to address at the next Sea Kayaking Summit, please contact Sara Ramsay.
Mark your calendars!
The 2019 Sea Kayaking Summit will be held on Saturday, February 2 at the Seattle Program Center. If you are interested to attend, please contact your respective committee chair.
