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Off, Guys - Give the Ladies a Chance!
By: Richard Munn
On the French River, between Wanapitei Bay and the highway,
there is a small section of whitewater called "Flat
Rapids." On a recent trip with a number of couples
that we paddle with, we were working our way upstream towards
the highway. We had to portage or line around this
obstacle. On river right, there's a winch and cable
mechanism that has been installed to help pull fishing boats up
the small chute. It can also be used to get the canoes up,
avoiding the up-and-down portage, and that's exactly what we
did.
When we arrived at the portage, we sprang into action like a
well-oiled machine. Some of the men got into position to
wade the boats up to the winch. Others attached the steel
cable to the canoes. Still another operated the winch to
haul the boats up the rapid. I remained upstream to work
the boats along the shore to a small eddy. With the
exception of one swamping, we managed to efficiently get the
boats past Flat Rapids and continue on our way.
A few days later, we were at our traditional 'debriefing
meeting,' where we discuss the route, menu, equipment and other
issues to see if we can improve things for the next trip, and an
interesting point was raised.
Janet, a good friend of mine, pointed out that when we arrived
at Flat Rapids, and at a few other obstacles along the route,
the men instantly assumed ownership of the task, both from and
organizational and a physical labour perspective. We were
quick and efficient in completing the task at hand, but we
missed the boat completely in one important area. By
barging in and taking ownership of the job, we deprived the
women in the group of the learning experience associated with
the task. Janet pointed out that we, as men, always leapt
in and grabbed the heavy packs, carried the canoes and led the
lining and tracking operations.
Some year soon, the women in the group we paddle with will most
likely choose to go as a group on their own canoe trip.
When they do this, there are a number of skills they will need.
There are many that they already have - paddling, map reading,
setting up and breaking camp ... but we have stolen one
important one from them. Whether from a misguided sense of
chivalry or not, we have never invited our wives and partners to
perform tasks like solo-carrying a boat, lugging the heavy packs
over the portage, lining and tracking fast water and many other
jobs.
Although the motive may noble, and the role pounded into our
male egos by years of socialization and etiquette, the gesture
was not appreciated, and rightfully so. By automatically
assuming the leadership roles in these situations, we take away
the opportunity for learning, growth and experience from those
who may want it. I learned a good lesson from Janet ...
back off, Richard. Let the ladies have a turn!
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