RE: [Paddlewise] Status of Sea Kayaking in the UK - My Limited Pe rspective

At 09:43 AM 8/2/00 -0400, Bob Denton wrote:
>Having lived in the UK for a number of years, the main difference in
>recreational activities is that in the UK they seem to center around well
>established clubs, while here, they are offered by commercial establishments
>and or public facilities.
>
>I suspect the sophistication and facilities of the well established clubs
>has narrowed the commercial opportunities for rentals, tours and the like. I
>would have identified and contacted any local "canoe" club and I'm sure you
>would have found boats available, organized trips and possibly a clubhouse
>with it's own pub. 
>
>This is speculation from the paddling perspective but held true for my other
>recreational activities while in the UK, archery, flying and sporting clays.
>
>cu
>

My previous complaining about rental opportunities in the south of England
left out additional info that Bob Denton has added here.  In fact, when I
found I could not rent a boat, I had just about given up.  I then spotted a
car with two kayaks on top.  I asked the driver how I could get to paddle
and he directed me to a club at a seaside town about half way between
Brighton and Worthing.  I was able to join in on a club river lesson, but
not able to rent or borrow a boat for my own solo purposes.

I enjoyed the river lesson.  Nice to experience things from a different
perspective.  Still, I would have like to explore some harbors at my own pace.

Oh, to be able to afford a Feathercraft...

Bill Leonhardt
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