Some thoughts... As a UK paddler I'd have to agree that sea kayaking is an esoteric pastime here, most paddlers do it on rivers I guess. When I'm out on the sea it is VERY rare to meet fellow paddlers. As far as my paddling friends are concerened most don't have much to do with the BCU as it's perceived to focus mainly on competetive disciplines and various committiees... also - if you decide not to renew your subscription one year your coaching qualifications become invalid... I don't think there would be an active paddling scene in and around London... hence the lack of shops. I'd also guess, though I could be wrong, that most sea paddlers shun organised clubs as well. We seem to like to go out in small friendly and informal groups. Having said that - there are quite a few centres where it's posible to hire boats and tuition, in North Wales we have NDK on Anglesey and 2 national outdoor pursuit centres as well as many private instructors ready to take people out, quite a few live next door to me! I guess the answer for next time would be to fix up something before you arrive! Keith Robertson >Date: Tue, 01 Aug 2000 18:17:54 -0400 >From: cakayak_at_mindspring.com >Subject: [Paddlewise] Status of Sea Kayaking in the UK - My Limited >Perspective > >Well, I sit here in London getting ready to catch an early flight back to >LA. Two weeks of working hasn't left me with much time to chase down >paddling opportunities. I did have three days here to give it a try and >came up empty. I am sad to say that despite a number of phone calls to UK >boat manufacturers, some specialty shops none which where close to London >and searching for the right connection I didn't get the chance to paddle >while in the UK. > >It seems that the sea kayaking in the UK is as esoteric as any place else >in the world and the number of shops very limited. What with the BCU and >clubs here I had expected to find a large and robust paddling community, >but haven't. I hoped to find hundereds of Derrick Hutchinsons and Nigel >Dennis's busting at the seams. Oh well! > >If anyone could tell me where I went wrong please let me know. Other than >that I am very glad to paddle in the US and will never complain again >about the limited number of shops and/or clubs in my area. Lesson >learned! Home is sure looking good! > >F Thomas >California Kayaker *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
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