: Oliver, the rest of the original document could maybe use a tweak
: or two, but I think it's solid. With regard to the
: "Requirements for paddling with Connyak" section, it
: seems to me, if the Coast Guard can require a whistle so can we.
: The PFD ought to stay too, if we have to turn someone away at
: the launch, so be it. Sprayskirts are a different matter.

I do think we need to be careful about Connyak "requirements". If the CG requires a whistle then the Connyak document can say "The Coast Guard requires whistles". With life jackets I think it would make sense to say: "State law in CT requires paddlers wear life jackets from October through May and have them with you the rest of the year, but we think it is a good idea to actually wear them all year long because they will only help you if you are already wearing it."

In reality, if someone in the group capsizes in the Thimbles in August without a life jacket, they will in all likelihood be fine. The only damage will be to their ego. The group can then use that opportunity to teach why they should have the life jacket on.

I am in agreement with Erik about sprayskirts, but I think it could be a club goal to teach people how to use sprayskirts safely - i.e. wet exits, paddle float re-entry, etc.