This one's mostly for the steers, but I'd like everyone to weigh in as you feel called to. This week we have two world championships and another slew of mishaps, some more horrific than others. Everyone is quick to blame the steer — and while steer incompetency IS to blame much of the time, there's another elephant in the room... the equipment. The boats Champion has been churning out are tippier every year - especially the short boats. The oars they supply with them are increasingly heavier, thicker, shorter, and harder to handle. Try getting purchase in a turn with one of those things... it can be impossible. Yes, some of that is negated by a crew that is perfectly balanced front to back, side to side, and paddling-strength-wise. But when does that ever truly happen? Even with a PERFECT crew, one person can slip, one person can catch a wave, one person can lean in instead of out... and those things matter. So I'm curious - do you think the equipment needs to be better assessed, tested, regulated too? Making sure our steers have the required competencies is one thing, but imho we also need to make sure that when they get to a race they aren't suddenly fighting 17 new variables (and dangerous ones at that) all at once. Because a crew that practices in a BUK on a flat river is not going to paddle the same way in a champion on waves. let me know your thoughts on this.

Is it a requirement to be certified by IDBF to steer in international races?

For those who fly with paddles, how do you pack them, and do you check them or carry them on? I’m primarily curious about traveling with a single paddle, but I’d also love to hear how coaches manage carrying paddles for a whole team.

Who here is heading to France the week after next for the IBCPC festival? I have some pretty awesome pins to trade.

Thank you everyone for your warm welcome! You are all an inspiration! I am interested in Drumming courses.