rod mclaughlin

Another humbling experience (27 feb 11)

I was in Nicaragua recently, trying to learn to surf

I told other potential students about the lack of competence and safety-consciousness among outdoor activities instructors from developing countries

I mentioned in particular the stupidity of Thai and Laotian rock climbing teachers, who try to monopolise the courses - after all, it is their land, and they need the money - but they suck

Another example is Pakistani mountain guides - "Do you want to climb K2?" - "Yeah, sure"

And Bolivian ones too

Anyway, having said this, I got a first-rate surfing class from 19-year-old Irwin of Nicaragua

The next day I got out of my depth - literally - and he and his friends rescued me

So am I wearing sackcloth and ashes and unlearning bigotry?

Was my generalisation about crap third-world outdoor teachers wrong?

Racist?

Nope.

Portland

London