I think the latest version is great - especially the introductory paragraphs before the ratings regarding launching times, pick-up paddles, what to wear, check the weather, including the use of terms such as "should" and "encourage" and that the ratings are meant to be a general guide for consideration, etc. I think all that language is great and should appear on the ConnYak website. It would be really helpful for new paddlers and to remind regulars what is what. The proposed new rating levels themselves are fine too - and reading them and their modification has been interesting. I think they should be included somehow on the website - BUT, I have to say I do still like the old rating system for its simplicity - N/I/A - if attracting new paddlers is a focus.

I'm an infrequent connyak paddler, but became aware of connyak because the guy I bought my first kayak from lived in CT (yes, CT's Bargain News classified newspaper used to make its way to a few deli's in Westchester NY) and he gave me a bunch of his old kayak brochures - including a Connyak Newsletter (was 1996 pre-website?) which I THINK had the N/I/A ratings. If not for that luck, it might have taken me a lot longer to find out about connyak. I think the ratings system wasn't a major focus of my early desire to accompany connyak on paddles, but with a 5/6 level rating system it might have given me pause - where do I fit into this thing? Once you've been paddling for awhile it all becomes clear.

Is there a way to retain the N/I/A page for "Event Paddles" and have a link to the new ratings to refer to for pick-up paddles?

I think the add'l rating levels are most valuable to give an indication of the intent of the trip sponsor on pick-up paddles - to minimize frustration in all involved if the paddle is too easy or too difficult depending on people's expectations. For example, when a trip sponsor is listing it as a Level 5, that gives the indication that the intent is to find the big stuff (wind/wave/mileage) and stay there and hopefully to avoid shutting down the fun (or minimizing the potential for ending the "fun") if someone needs a tow back to the put in. Or the trip leader may want a nice relaxing day and to attract like-minded paddlers. And there is value in knowing the trip leader's intent in advance with the more detailed 1-5 levels. When my shoulder is acting up - I drop from wanting a Level 5 to a Level 2 pretty fast. And knowing what the others are expecting of the day is nice to know in advance.

Just a thought - I'll let the wise sages decide. All good either way. The regulars have a better handle on what changes are necessary.

Jim