I want to temper what I just said, by adding that as Bill wrote, Connyak could indeed do a better job of helping flat water paddlers make the transition to ocean paddling. One of the reasons for expanding the trip rating system is to help new paddlers to find an outing that they will be comfortable with. Start with a 1 or 2 and go from there. As far as basic skill development goes, there is much that can learned at our informal summer practice gatherings.