Hello everyone,
I’m new to Padding Forum and just getting started here. I’d love to learn more about how things work in this community and how to make the most of it.
Could anyone share some tips for beginners? For example:
Looking forward to being part of this community and learning from you all. Thanks in advance!
Depends on what your interests are. Canoe? Kayak? Surfski? Whitewater? Flatwater? River and lake? Coastal touring? Fishing? Total newbie? If the latter, the discussion forums may not suit you – there are permanent sections on the site under the “Learn” tab with intro information on initial topics like how to choose a boat, safety practices, technique tips, etc.,
The forum threads change every day and you can only tell (or guess) what the topic is by the lead title the OP posts, though they are sorted into categories like “paddlers place” (general conversation), “canoes”, “kayaks”, “advice”, etc.
You could post your first thread start undeer “advice” with some details on what you are hoping to learn here. It helps a lot to identify your geographic region and level of prior boating experience, if any. It’s a pretty casual set up and you kind of get out of it what you put in. Generally friendly and helpful crowd here so don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Start at the top and work your way down the list. Follow the topics that interest you. If you find a perspective that you like or info that interests you, direct message that person to express your interest. Treat others the way the way you would like to be treated.
The two general headings are good for discussion.
If you click on a user’s profile you can send them a PM via email. Sometimes groups of paddlers will post get-togethers here, much much less common than it was several years ago.
You forgot the “drysuit vs wetsuit” debate. Otherwise, all good. Lol.
-sing
moe is a bot
Had some inkling that might be the case (the stilted syntax suggested AI) but I usually try to err on the side of being “welcoming”.