Re: [Paddlewise] A thought about jetskis and kayaks

  A year or so ago I saw one of the first generation jetskis again. I 
was amazed at how tiny the thing was. I submit that if the type had 
stayed as small we would not consider them the problem we do today. 
While they are bigger and less agile today, they are also much more 
powerful, capable and easy to use.

  But I agree that the "jetski problem" will fade away to some extent 
as regulations come into play. More importantly, they will go out of 
style. Around here windsurfing used be really big, now it is much 
less popular. It has nothing to do with the fact that some people 
thought them a scourge. They just aren't the in thing any more. The 
same will happen with jetskis, not to mention sea kayaks. People move 
on. I'm sure the Maine lobstermen are anxiously awaiting the waning 
of the sea kayak fad.

Nick

>
>Things change. The jetski market has forced some change. In fact, the
>design of jetskis has mutated rapidly. Ten years ago, most jetskis were
>powered surfboards with standing riders. That's how they got the name. In
>fact, I haven't seen many of those types of jetskis in recent years -- the
>things are changing, becoming larger, and less agile, turning more into
>small runabouts. In fact, I'm seeing "jetskis" that are nearly the size and
>power of a small runabout from back in the days when the proud grandmother
>and I were kids, with side by side, in the boat seating. Deja vu.
-- 
Nick Schade
Guillemot Kayaks
824 Thompson St
Glastonbury, CT 06033
(860) 659-8847

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