Re: [Paddlewise] Review: Kayak Routes of the PacNW Coast

From: K. Whilden <kwhilden_at_u.washington.edu>
Date: Fri, 12 Jun 1998 14:56:45 -0700 (PDT)
On Fri, 12 Jun 1998 Tomckayak_at_aol.com wrote:

> What we do not need is more guide books:(
> 
> Its one of the bigger rip-off's you can do to your fellow kaykers.
> 
> A guide book is a sure sign that an area is over run or about to be.
> 
> Read a chart and find it your self.
> ***************************************************************************

I think this is a depressing attitude. Kayaking is still a fledgling
sport, and I would say that we should never attempt to hinder other
peoples enjoyment or access to kayaking, if not actively help promote
this. Guidebooks are one remarkable way to promote the above, for example,
with good info on accessibility of launches and campsites -- very
important in this day and age of private land and restricted access.
Guidebooks also usually have admonitions to behave respectively and paddle
safely. There are many other benefits that I would rather not get into
now. 

Those who want their adventure undiluted by someone else's opinion
are welcome to not read a guidebook, but guidebooks are great boon to the
majority of boaters. I personally find them as an indespensible starting
point to many of my trips, although I find most are sadly lacking in
mentioning the fun tide rips and play spots. (Does anybody else read the
"hazards" section first?) Maybe I'll start compiling a list for for a
future guidebook.

I would like to know of a place where there are too many sea kayakers.
Probably the biggest crowding problem involves other kinds of boats.
Whenever I see other kayakers on the water, I consider 'em family.

Cheers,
Kevin

***************************************************************************
PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List
Submissions:     paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net
Subscriptions:   paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net
Website:         http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/
***************************************************************************
Received on Fri Jun 12 1998 - 14:58:52 PDT

This archive was generated by hypermail 2.4.0 : Thu Aug 21 2025 - 16:29:57 PDT