Hi Guys, Sorry it's taken me so long to send out the meeting minutes. Perhaps I'm not the best candidate for secretary. Anyway, here's the brief minutes: -------------------------- In attendance: Pat Crosscombe, Susan Wilson, Mike Pitzrick, Bill Hansen, John Ferreira, Phil Crimmins Pat expressed here desire to revisit the suggestions of required and recommended equipment discussed at the last meeting. After considerable discussion, these lists were revised. Required equipment - every paddler must have a paddle, whistle, water pump, PFD, sprayskirt, appropriate dress for the water temperature (see below), appropriate footwear (sandals not recommended under any circumstances). The sprayskirt & PFD must be worn whenever the paddler is on the water. If at night, the ability to display a continuous (not strobing) white light. Recommended equipment - food, paddle jacket, length of rope, sponge, water bottle, drybag, paddle float (for every 2-3 boats), extra paddle. Appropriate dress - John will present recommendations for different weather & water conditions at the next meeting. Skill requirements and the means for joining the group also were discussed. A sponsor system discussed at the last meeting was discussed again. New people who wish to join the group need to have someone already part of the group sponsor them. It is the sponsor's responsibility to escort the new person(s) out on Cayuga Lake for the weekly paddle session for the first time. It is the sponsor's responsibility for verifying the skills requirements. Skill requirements - perform wet exit, paddle forward, and have ability to swim with paddling gear on Mike presented his draft of a 1 page liability description. The group agreed with Mike's wording with the exception that it should be labeled "Statement of Safety" and that the group be labeled as a "group" and not as an "association". Bill suggested that we could always start as a "group" and change it to something more formal later if we so choose. The name of the group was changes from Cayuga Belugas Sea Kayakers Association to the Fingerlakes Sea Kayakers. The name Cayuga Belugas will be reserved for the synchronized sea kayakers team. Phil approved being custodian of forms for the Fingerlakes Sea Kayakers (FSK). John agreed to eventually head the newletter, email list, and possibly a web site. Next meeting will be 4/20/00 at John's house, 7:30 pm. Directions have been mailed separately. ------------------------ Susan K. Wilson, Ph.D. Cornell University Molecular Biology & Genetics 321 Biotechnology Bldg. Ithaca, NY 14853 Tel (607) 254-4832 Fax (607) 255-6249 email skc13@cornell.edu ------------------------