Joined
·
1,771 Posts
Pleasant but brief time on the river with Geoff yesterday, too bad I had to rush off. Great to meet another two-handed enthusiast in the area.
Geoff is one of those types who take things on with great enthusiasm, in fact for a couple of weeks of practicing I don't think I've ever seen someone try so many different casts right out of the gate. His reverse double spey (we were on left bank, for downriver wind practice) was on the mark and his snap-t was coming together for upriver wind as well. I know one thing, it took me months to get where he's gotten to already.
In such a short time and no formal structure there was little chance of any real exchange other than social and perhaps a tip or two for both.
I learned that when you only have an hour, you either make it a social event or have some structure to maximize the time:
a) One option is to choose a particular cast or topic that the person(s) find interesting. Give a 15 minute schpeel, use part of the time to work interactively, then the rest of the time apart to just feel things out without scrutiny.
b) Another... based on what you know as an instructor, choose a topic that is appropriate for the skill level of the person(s) more importantly fundamental for them to know (whether they know it or not). Offer a quick review of the topic (verbal / demo) and then work interactively to tune it in.
One example is controlling the trunk, sweep technique for a double and snap, lift technique for a switch cast, etc.
What I learned from the get-together is you either agree to have some structure or it's just a social event. Although there is nothing wrong with a social visit I'll be interested in doing these with some kind of structure. I'm convinced there is so much more to be gained for all parties that way.
Since there is a growing interest group in the area I'll be doing these more regularly on the Nashua in Hollis and at the Concord MA boat ramp, etc.
Thanks baldmountain for teaching me something about impromtu get-togethers.
Geoff is one of those types who take things on with great enthusiasm, in fact for a couple of weeks of practicing I don't think I've ever seen someone try so many different casts right out of the gate. His reverse double spey (we were on left bank, for downriver wind practice) was on the mark and his snap-t was coming together for upriver wind as well. I know one thing, it took me months to get where he's gotten to already.
In such a short time and no formal structure there was little chance of any real exchange other than social and perhaps a tip or two for both.
I learned that when you only have an hour, you either make it a social event or have some structure to maximize the time:
a) One option is to choose a particular cast or topic that the person(s) find interesting. Give a 15 minute schpeel, use part of the time to work interactively, then the rest of the time apart to just feel things out without scrutiny.
b) Another... based on what you know as an instructor, choose a topic that is appropriate for the skill level of the person(s) more importantly fundamental for them to know (whether they know it or not). Offer a quick review of the topic (verbal / demo) and then work interactively to tune it in.
One example is controlling the trunk, sweep technique for a double and snap, lift technique for a switch cast, etc.
What I learned from the get-together is you either agree to have some structure or it's just a social event. Although there is nothing wrong with a social visit I'll be interested in doing these with some kind of structure. I'm convinced there is so much more to be gained for all parties that way.
Since there is a growing interest group in the area I'll be doing these more regularly on the Nashua in Hollis and at the Concord MA boat ramp, etc.
Thanks baldmountain for teaching me something about impromtu get-togethers.
