Cooper-Taylor Training

Today I had my very first go in a kayak in calm waters just south of Coromandel. You’ll have to take my word for it but that is me in the photo.

I get sea sick quite easily (even on the Devonport Ferry if the weather is a bit rough) so you can imagine the conditions had to be just right for me to venture “out to sea” (just off the shore) in a kayak. I was using Gil’s kayak and life vest with her handmade paddle. Chris, Gil’s partner, came out with me and kept a close enough eye on me to ensure I didn’t get into any trouble, but was far enough away to let me feel I was doing things myself. I got the push technique going (you push with the part of the paddle that’s out of the water whilst pulling with the bit that’s in the water) and felt I had achieved something for a first go. I even managed to get out of the kayak without dunking my bum in the water.

Now what impresses me about all this was how safe I felt the whole time. I was in safe hands with safe equipment. Being watched to ensure I didn’t go astray but also being able to do my own thing. We had no set curriculum, but I was learning the whole time, much more than if someone had given me a whole list to tick off. And the timing was just right.

(e)Learning should be like this. Give students enough info to get them started and watch to see they keep on track, but other wise let them discover what they need. Too much learning is still about facts, rather than the skills needed to track down information and assess its usefulness in the current situation.

Now I know which I feel is more useful, what’s your take?