I also think that there probably ought to be a clear prominent statement somewhere encouraging non-members to come along.

In the trip ratings section, perhaps instead of a listing of skill or endurance "requirements" we could list the typical conditions and difficulties associated with a paddle of a given level. Most "required" kayaking skills are developed and comfort zones are expanded while paddlers are actually out on group paddles. If we all stayed away from paddles where we hadn't yet attained a list of prerequisite skills, most of us would never have attained any of those skills in the first place. My point is that, for the most part, the guidelines should come across as guidelines and not so much as strict "requirements". To many, a list of required skills might say: If you aren't ALREADY comfortable paddling in 20 knot winds and 3 foot seas, you can't come. While a list of expected conditions and potential difficulties will say: If your skills have been progressing and you think you're ready to bump things up a notch, give the next level a try.

Instead of:

: Level 2 Participants should be able to:

: • Perform skills listed under Level 1.
: • Paddle 9 miles in a day.
: • Control a kayak in 1 foot waves.
: • Control a kayak in winds of 10 knots.
: • Participate in an assisted deep-water recovery (i.e.
: re-entry after a capsize).
: • Maintain a heading for short distances without the use of
: a rudder.
: • Turn a kayak using forward and reverse sweep strokes.

How about something like:

Level 2 Participants will:

- be comfortable with all items listed under Level 1.
- paddle up to 9 miles in a day as part of a somewhat loosely organized group
at a relaxed group pace with a lunch break midway.
- often be required to control their boats in 1 foot seas.
- often be required to control their boats in 10 knot winds.
- possibly participate in an assisted deep-water recovery (i.e.
re-entry after a capsize).

The "Maintain a heading for short distances without the use of a rudder" doesn't make much sense to me.
The "Turn a kayak using forward and reverse sweep strokes" is pretty much covered under "control" and isn't really necessary.

Frankly, I'm mostly Ok with the way Oliver has it written now, but as Mark suggested, I can see how it could come across as off-putting to some. Basically, we could include pretty much the same information either way it's written. The main difference would be that the potential trip conditions would be dictating the necessary required skills, not the Club.