Re: [Paddlewise] Licensing

I go kayaking to get away from the bureaucracy. I used to go to the woods
for the same reason, freedom. Now I have to pay a fee to park anywhere near
a trailhead. To do so I have to find an open ranger station to pay the fee
so I can park in the woods. I have friends that have been to 4 closed ranger
stations and several sporting good stores that were temporarily out of the
permits before they just gave up and risked the rather steep fine. Lets not
add any more bureaucracy to kayaking.
Why should I need to be licensed to paddle a kayak? Just who can I hurt with
it. An automobile or a large (or fast) boat can do some real damage to the
life, limb and property of others and I have no objection to there being
government rules and required training as to how that equipment should be
operated for the safety of others. I have no objection to some surf beaches
where swimmers are common being off limits to kayaks to protect the swimmers
from fast moving kayaks. I have no objection to the ACA, BCU or any other
person or group starting an organization to certify guides, kayakers, or
even those who just walk on two legs for that matter. I object when those
organizations are given power by government to dictate who can or can't
teach, paddle, or walk. If a school wants to advertise that they have been
certified by some certifying organization, fine. If another does not want to
be certified or wants to set up there own certification organization they
should be free to do so and compete in the marketplace with the other groups
and organizations that also certify. As soon as a group looks to the
government to enforce their attempt at monopoly, to become the "governing
body" I get real pissed.
Why do you want to steal my freedom? Who am I hurting by kayaking? Note:
Nothing gets me more riled than some outfit that wants to control me for my
own good!

Matt Broze
http://www.marinerkayaks.com


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