UALR Pool Session- Helpers, Instructors, "Walmart" Greeters

[Cowper]

First, a "TRIP REPORT" for last Wednesday's Session: Spring must be getting close! I counted 16 boats, and I'm pretty sure at least a couple more showed up after I was no longer counting. I also know more than that came, because we had ~16 that joined for supper after the session, and several I saw at the pool weren't at supper. Things this all brought to mind:

1) JOE, THANKS once again for keeping these sessions going for the last several years! The Little Rock sessions are by far and away the best "dollar value" sessions anywhere in the state. Even after you factor in the cost of the required ACC membership, if you came to even a fraction of the sessions that are available your cost per session would be under $1. Even someone who can only make it to 5 or 6 sessions all year will spend less money than on any of the other sessions we currently have available here in Arkansas.

2) CALL FOR HELPERS / INSTRUCTORS / "Walmart Greeters" - For the first time in awhile, our number of "newer" rollers far outnumbered our available "helpers". Even though Jeremy, Heather, and others gave up most of their own session to help others, I don't think we did as good as we normally do at making the rounds to offer all of the new folks help and make them feel welcome. If you are an ACC member who lives in the Little Rock area, please consider dropping by on Wednesday nights to help someone with a hip snap, spot them for a roll, or just hang out on the pool edge and chat about boating to help make the new folks feel more welcome. Remember, it won't cost you a nickle, and you don't even "have" to get your hair wet!

3) Minor note - we need to do a little bit better about getting "out the door" before 8 PM. Yes, this is the pot calling the kettle black, but it won't do any good if I get out the door, and even one person is still lagging behind. UALR was totally cool about this Wednesday night, but we owe it to them to do what we said we would do.

[Lupe]

Yup, there sure was a big turn out at the pool on Wednesday!

Here's a suggestion (request?) for those coming out to the pool...we realize if you are just getting started that you can't necessarily help others out with learning to roll at the pool, and not everyone feels they are good at instructing others even if they are already rolling, but ANYONE who comes to the pool can help with the hose at the end of the night which will help all of us leave on time (see Cowper's point #3).

If you have gotten out of the pool and changed earlier than others, and others are still in the pool or not ready to leave, it would be a big help to have more folks volunteer to turn the water off and coil the water hose back up inside by the faucet. If Cowper and I have stayed in the pool as long as possible trying to help others, I know I would REALLY appreciate the gesture if someone else has taken care of the hose so that it's not the last thing I'm trying to do while still getting me and my boat and gear out the door on time! Leaving a nicely re-coiled hose is part of what will continue to endear us to the UALR lifeguards. (Okay, maybe it doesn't endear us to them, but at least it's one less thing about us using the pool that would be an inconvenience to them!)

But, other than that, ditto what Cowper said (point #2)...I know there's some other great teachers in the area...I hope more of you will consider coming out and lending a hand some time!

Oh yeah, and what the heck, I might as well comment on Cowper's point #1, as well, which is that we owe Joe a huge thanks for not just keeping the UALR sessions going for ACC club members all this time, but even EXPANDING our access...it really is such a great resource...we are lucky indeed to have this in our area!

Cheers,
H(eather) aka Lupe

[JTarver]

Copwer and " The Huck", and anyone else,
You guys are so totally welcome for anything I can do or have done for the pool sessions. I remember Cowper being there the night I learned to roll, along with some others who helped me..and I remember thinking how great it was this pool thing was happening, and how great everyone was.
Shortly after that, getting to know more and more folks at the ACC, Jeremy, Summerville, Scroach, and many countless others who not only came to the sessions, but thoughtlessly helped out the new people as well. It was a feeling of commradery ( pardon my spelling, I'm half blind currently ) that I wanted to experience over and over.
The last pool sessions felt so much like it did all that time ago, with everyone going to eat afterward, sharing stories and each others experiences.
It was truly a lot of fun. Thanks for letting me be a part of all this.
I hope to continue to help any way I can for a long, long time.

And I second the call for help. I helped out some last sessions, but I also know I could've done more.
It was fantastic to see all the new boaters show up too.

Also, New boaters: Don't be afraid to approach someone to ask for help. Some people are happy to watch from a distance, and that's fine. But if you want help, sometimes you just have to let someone know. I don't usually impose myself onto someone unless they are just really struggling, and don't appear to have asked anyone prior to that. Then I usually ask if they want some pointers, or help, and if so..done deal.
Bottom line is, most of us are more than happy to help anyone who needs it. It's part of sharing the sport that just never gets old. So yea, ask for assistance if you need it. We really are a congenial bunch. Usually.

I have my moments.

Peace and pool time,
Joe

[Karla]

I want to comment here. I would like to personally thank the ones who have spent their valuable time to help me try to learn to roll. Heather, Cowper, Jeremy, Kim. I am yet to get my roll (not the fault of my instructors) but I keep trying. You guys are the most patient people on earth to work with me. I thank you from the bottom of my heart (and the bottom of my kayak ) for all the help. I will keep trying and with your help and endurance, I plan to succeed.

Thanks
Karla

[wdwlodge]

Karla, I believe we met at roll sessions during the fall? My 13 yr old son and I have been there a few times trying to get our rolls down. At the time you saw us I looked like was better at pool bottom inspections than rolling...my son pretty much had it after the first time someone explained it to him.
My point with all this is that I finally learned by combining what ACC club members were showing me with some video instruction and was able to get it almost instantly after watching the video and even practicing the "move" in my living room (knocked over the lamp a few times)
Video is called "The Kayaker's Toolbox". Put together with NOC folks who really break down a roll so you can see what you are suppposed to be looking at. Plus---there is lot's more in there besides rolling....
One problem is that I cannot remember where I purchased...(might be http://www.paddlefilms.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;)I know it was on-line...maybe someone knows as I first heard about it on this site.
Good luck

[paddledog]

Try here:
http://www.paddlefilms.com/Toolbox.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Lifejacket]

Karla, I have this DVD if you want to borrow it.

[Karla]

Sure, I would like to. Thank you for offering. When and where is a good place to meet. Maybe on the river soon if it rains this week. Do you come to the pool sessions?

Karla

[Lifejacket]

Looks like I am going to come this Wednesday to try Mike's Micro 240, and then go to the meeting.

[Karla]

I will come by there. Not sure if I will paddle any that night or not or if I am going to the meeting but let me know and I will meet you there. Thanks.

Karla

[Lifejacket]

You know what me and my oldlady's escape look like. If I don't see you there will catch you some other time.

[Tim Eubanks]

In case I didn't clearly communicate, thanks to Joe, Heather, and Cowper for their help in my quest to master the dark art. Maybe I need to bring my canoe next time to add some diversity, although Steve E was there Saturday exemplifying the true beauty of the sport.

[Sam_Hawk]

I too, would like to thank everyone who takes the time and effort to keep these sessions going. I have gotten so much help from everyone and I can actually roll now. I will start making it a point to spot for people who are more of a beginner than I, or help them in any way I can. Thanks everyone for making this group what it is!

[pacorollo]

Tonight was my first time to be at a pool session. What a great bunch of people. When you walk in as a loner newbie, it sure is great to be really welcomed by so many people. Cowper, thanks a bunch for spending so much time helping me find a roll--I'll be practising in my sleep tonight just so I don't lose what I learned! Paco aka Frank Roland