[Paddlewise] saturation point

My concern over the "saturation point discussion is that a boom in the numbers
of new people flocking to just about any sport means too many people getting
quickly in over their heads.


 I saw this back east in the 70's with whitewater kayaking and in the 80's
with whitewater rafting. Suddenly there were twice as many boats on the rivers
and three times the swims. The problem I saw was that the few who learned fast
were dragging along others who were not ready. Also certain river runs (i.e.
the new river gorge and the upper gauley) were considered proof that you had
arrived as a  paddler. So people jumped on these rivers long before they were
ready. This meant that the those of us who had the skills to be on those
rivers had to put ourselves at risk in rescue situations. 


I don't mind people finding my "secret places". Others have shared theirs with
me. But I do get annoyed when I paddle up to a novice and suggest that they
are not ready to be out in this kind of water only to be told "to mind my own
business". 


Bob


Sitka





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