[Paddlewise] Cost of Sea Kayaking [was: Double fatality, age, minorities, etc.]

Been following this thread and I have a few observations, sea kayaking need 
not be expensive:

I have built several skin on frame kayaks for under well under $100 each, I 
could probably do it for less if I had more time to salvage materials.  I 
have made native style paddles from scrap lumber and have made a lot of the 
other gear for me and my family for next to nothing. Yes it is a lot of 
work to make the gear, but I enjoy the creative break where I can work with 
my hands (beats watching TV in the evenings).  Besides, if I did not we 
could not afford it.  We have purchased used wet suits at garage sales and 
used equipment stores for $5 to $25.  The only thing I will not compromise 
on is a PFD, especially for the kids, but I have picked up good ones 
on-sale for only $35.  (It occurred to me to make one but it would not be 
USCG approved and why bother for only $35).  I have also purchased used 
canoes and kayak (that need repairs of course) for only $20.

I consider sea kayaking, once you have all of your gear, like hiking and 
wilderness camping, one of the least expensive outdoor activities we can do 
as a family.  A lot less expensive than skiing for example, even after you 
own all of your gear, it cost my family over $100/day just for lift tickets 
(one reason we have not gone as a family for the last few years).  Even car 
camping fees have become pretty costly.

In fact sea kayaking one of the least expensive ways to get on the water in 
a serious way.  Even if you paid retail for everything you need for safe 
sea kayaking you would spend less money than just about any other type of 
boating outfit.  (and I am not talking about the department store variety 
of inflatable boats, yes we have owned them too but I would never attempt 
any long distance travel, or even overnight travel, in one.  They are just 
play boats).

An observation on minorities (not necessary for anyone to comment):  I have 
had close friends of nearly every race since highschool with whom I have 
enjoyed all kinds of outdoor activities:  Rock climbing, mountaineering, 
sailing, canoeing, sea kayaking, skiing (both X-C and downhill), mountain 
biking, skin/SCUB diving and others.  They were of MexicanAmerican, 
Japanese-American, Jewish-American, and of course European backgrounds 
among others.  But I have never had the opportunity to even see one 
African-American in any of these activities (except perhaps D/H skiing, 
though even that is rare) and I have always wondered why for I can see no 
reason for it.  They are often such good athletes is so many other sports, 
why not outdoor sports too?  I can only guess it is cultural.  I do not 
mean to imply that there are not any, I just have never seen any over the 
last 30+ years of being active in these sports.

Perhaps some of the clubs in the large cities could start making efforts to 
attract these minorities, like coordinating lessons or beginner paddles 
with inner city rec. departments, posting flyers inviting kids and their 
families from these neighborhoods to meetings and events.  And by all 
means, make them feel welcome!

Peter

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