Re: [Paddlewise] Tour Groups - was Commando Camping

Nick Schade wrote:

[snip
> My experience since the 80's is I see far more people out in organized
tour
> groups than go out on their own. In terms of sheer numbers of people on
the
> islands the impact of the tour operators appears to me to be much greater
> than the independant paddlers.
[snip]

Once again, I find myself in full agreement with Nick's comments.  Still,
I'm reluctant to condemn tour operators for several reasons.  First, as I
suspect many here could say, I have friends who run (own) companies that do
this.  Second, I've gone on guided tours myself, and enjoyed it very much.
Third, the tour groups do, in many instances (not all, IMO), contribute to
the overall goal (well, *I* think it's an overall goal) of bringing more
people closer to the planet, and therefore maybe, just maybe, contribute to
the movement that is trying to save the planet.  Four, . . . . hey, it's a
free market, after all, and these are businesses that are responding to a
legitimate demand.  Until we change our system (which I'm not at all sure we
should do), that's perfectly proper.

Nonetheless, despite all this (and more), I do find myself bristling at the
sight of large groups of paddlers heading out of my favorite harbors led by
a "tour guide" who will take them to some of my favorite landings and make a
big, noisey mess.  Still, in the final analysis, I keep coming back to the
third point.  Whatever the various alternatives are for people to use their
leisure time, paddling a small boat out to undeveloped places to look at and
appreciate the natural environment has to be one that we most hope people
will choose.  This must be despite the fact that it will inevitably result
in increased usage of the places where we seek solitude and peace.  The
"yuppies from New York" who sign up for a day paddle out to your favorite
island just *might* alter their views on environmental policy, on electoral
politics, . . . on who knows what, as a result of a good experience.
(Several years ago, I was one of them.)  I'd rather see that any day than
see them pile into a stinkpot and go "sport fishing" with a cooler full of
beer (sigh).  I guess my view is that we should just encourage the tour
companies to exercise and teach sound low-impact practices and appreciation
of the environment.

This discussion has focused on MITA.  I truly believe that MITA is doing
great work.  They are a fundamental part of that portion of the paddling
community that is trying to save the Earth.  If MITA members don't always
follow the carefully developed and strict MITA policies, we shouldn't blame
MITA.

Mark



***************************************************************************
PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not
to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission
Submissions:     PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net
Subscriptions:   PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net
Website:         http://www.paddlewise.net/
***************************************************************************