Len Goodman
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Len Goodman |
Hi CKF'ers:
On December 1, 2002, immediately after the Queen Mary club paddle, a group of 25 damp, famished, yet hearty members gathered together at a local restaurant. I presented an Agenda for the meeting and welcomed comments and suggestions. Those present were members who have hosted a variety of club and non-club trips this year and have taken an active part in club events. In addition, any member who was on the Queen Mary paddle was invited to the meeting.
As part of my introductory remarks and prior to introducing the CKF Agenda, I advised the members of the club's financial status. In previous years we had a membership approaching 350 paddlers. At that time we had a financial balance in our checking account ranging from a low of $1000 to a high of $4800. The largest cost to the club at that time was the monthly cost of a newsletter, which ranged from $500 to $800 per month, plus the cost of an end-of-year roster.
At the present time our membership is approximately 150 paddlers, and growing. The balance in our checking account is $6700. Why the drop-off in membership and the increase in funds?
First, a bit of history. George Kulakowski was the newsletter editor for three years. No one can deny that he did an admirable job. However, job pressures necessitated his resigning. Several individuals volunteered and each only lasted a short period. Subsequently, we did not have a newsletter for many months. The absence of a newsletter and loss of contact with members resulted in a significant drop in membership. We then decided to switch from a mailed paper newsletter to a cyber website and the fabulous Ray Roux stepped forward to put the website together. Regrettably, a number of members who were not on the internet dropped out of the club.
Since that time our membership has steadily increased. Our website costs us $25 a month to maintain. Thus, CKF is financially stable and is in a position to offer a wide variety of opportunities to our members.
And so, to answer the question, "What does our $30 per year membership fee offer to our members," I invited some of our most active and, I might add, strongly opinionated members to give me their thoughts. Bottom line, the message that I heard most frequently was -"Whether one is a novice or an advanced paddler each of us would like to improve our skills. How can the Club provide this for our members?"
MY REPLY
I then proceeded to select three of the most professional kayak instructor groups in our area and negotiated a plan with them to enable CKF members to participate in a variety of truly excellent kayaking classes at significantly reduced rates -- the savings will vary from 20% to 60% or better. The classes being offered vary depending upon one's skills.
When you view and then compare the costs you will be very impressed. This was accomplished by the three outfitters wishing to accommodate CKF and reducing their prices to us. Further, CKF will also be adding a dollar amount to your discounted price. A good example would be a 4-hour course, which normally is offered by the outfitter to an individual paddler for $75, will cost you $25.
The groups that I refer to are Aqua Adventures in San Diego, Southwind Kayak Center in Irvine, and Wayne Horodowich who is President of the University of Sea Kayaking located in Santa Barbara.
A list of the various classes, locations, dates and costs is outlined below. A great effort has been made to offer classes to every level of paddler. For example, if you wish to learn how to roll or wish to improve your roll, a class is offered. Clinics will be offered in such subjects as stroke improvement techniques, rescues and towing, navigation, introduction to open water, trip leadership, capsize recovery and others.
Some of these classes, as rolling, will be limited to only 2 individuals. Other classes will be limited to a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 8 CKF members. And, you must be a member to participate. In as much as membership applies to families, spouses and teen agers family members may also apply, though only one rebate will be provided.
Each of these clinics will be led by the best kayak instructors in southern California. After participating in these clinics you will be far more skilled and thus more confident when you are on the water. The enthusiasm in kayaking stems from one's increased abilities. Many of these skills cannot be gained in a three hour introduction. Workshops will provide you with the knowledge of the skills you need in order to improve.
This is the first time CKF has undertaken a program of this type. I would very much like to receive your comments after you have completed a course. The Spring and Summer seasons will be shortly upon us. What a great way to regain your confidence and increase your involvement in CKF.
Please bear in mind that Aqua Adventures, Southwind Kayak Center and Wayne Horodowich of University of Sea Kayaking are offering us this excellent opportunity and truly extending themselves for CKF. Let us show them our appreciation by utilizing their services whenever we possibly can.
Safe paddling,
You'll need to know your CKF Membership Number, if you can't remember (or never knew) look at Active Member List. If you're not on the list an feel you should be please contact Paula Chavez.
AQUA ADVENTURES & SOUTHWIND KAYAK CENTER
Review the clinics offered, who is offering them and the dates that they are offered. When you have decided which you wish to attend call the outfitter, identify that you are a member of CKF by providing them with your CKF Member # and sign up. At that time they will advise you of their CKF discounted cost. You can pay by personal check or credit card. When you have completed the course, contact me by Email and I will forward a CKF rebate check to you (CKF Rebate will only apply to one class per member. You certainly can take as many of the classes as you wish, however).Wayne Horodowich of University of Sea Kayaking(USK)
Contact Len Goodman at Email:DOWN2THEC@AOL.COM for registration and driving directions - include the class number, title, date, and time. Mail your check to:
CKF
C/O Len Goodman
9513 Texhoma Avenue
Northridge, CA 91325.When you have completed the course, contact me by Email and I will forward a CKF rebate check to you (CKF Rebate will only apply to one class per member. You certainly can take as many of the classes as you wish, however).
Cancellation policy: If you cancel less than 48 hours previous to the class you will forfeit your payment.