For brand new paddlers, which aspects of the technique do you focus on initially and what do you just let go for a while so they are not overwhelmed? Is there a standard progression, or is it specific to each paddler?

Since I'm in @Liisa Reimann 's club, can't think of anything else not mentioned here. I'm all for adding Stoppa 😀

Forgetting terminology is real! The other day I couldn't think of "back it down" but "back up" worked 🤣

I have not participated in a capsize drill. A drill that I would plan: 1. Where? We paddle not far from a sandy public beach. I would plan to hold the drill there, at the far end, away from the swimming area. 2. How to coordinate? A. I would alert someone at the beach, and possibly also the harbor master or coast guard (which are both nearby) ahead of time, to let them know about our practice plans. B. I would recruit some of our more experienced paddlers who are comfortable in the water, for an initial drill. C. I would review the capsize pdf included here, with the crew ahead of time so that everyone generally knows the plan ahead of time. 3. Safety measures: For my inital drill, I would want to simplify where possible...small boat, non-inflatable pfds only, limited personal items that people might be tempted to chase in the water, secure ropes and lines where possible to avoid tangling. Have at least 2 bailers in a small boat. Review the plan again in the boat before start and make sure everyone understands what they should, and should not do. 4. Once the boat is right side up...I would follow the plan outlined in the video: two people at each end to flip the boat, with the rest of the crew on one side to push down. Crew members with the bailers would start bailing. As soon as enough water is bailed, a couple of lighter paddlers in the boat to bail. Start adding paddlers onboard as enough water is bailed. Once everyone is back onboard, paddle to safety, unload, make sure again the everyone is accounted for. Inspect the boat. 5. After the drill, I would talk/review with everyone about how it went, what went right, what went wrong, what to improve or change.

@Liisa Reimann that's a great idea, especially to start with

I reviewed the Vermont Handbook of Boating Laws and Responsibilities. I added the Burlington Harbor Master phone # to my contacts. My experience in Burlington is that other boaters mostly seem to view us with curiosity and enthusiasm, often waving and cheering us on as we paddle by.

I haven't been out in any scary, unexpected conditions so far, in 8 years. I am on Liisa's Malia team. Liisa is very good at calling off practice if conditions look unsafe. If I were caught in unexpected conditions, I would get back to the dock as quickly and safely as possible. If we could not get to our dock in time, we could consider any number of other docks on the waterfront if it is urgent to seek shelter.