Last night I received the REI Holiday 99 gift preview catalog. On page 90, selling for only $380, is a bright red Perception Swify recreational kayak [9'5" x 29"] with its bow overlaying a stunning photo of 2 sea kayakers paddling along an exposed coast in tropical-looking, turquoise water. Both these kayakers are clearly paddling full size sea kayaks. The rest of the page has water sports related gear (dry bags, deck bag, weather radio . . .). I was troubled by this image because I have had many interactions with "newbies" who call or show up for open water trips with their small recreational boats. They did not understand there was a distinction between the design of a recreational kayak and that of a touring kayak. A kayak is a kayak, right? I could never figure out where they were getting such misinformation, although some admitted that their purchase was based 100% on price (again, note the $380 price tag). Now I have a beautiful color catalog that clearly depicts the problem. Let me state that I do not believe that it was REIs intent to deceive unwary customers. I believe REI to be a responsible outdoor reseller. However, I am concerned with the way this page is laid out and I feel an obligation to speak up. Hopefully, their marketing department will hear my plea. Debbie Reeves Sandy Hook, NJ *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************Received on Wed Oct 13 1999 - 10:38:05 PDT
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