Doug Lloyd wrote: >>>>>>>>Jeff n' Carol asked: <SNIP> <<< Finally, does anyone have any experience with the Wilderness Kayak Institute's classes? They seem to talk about a variety of issues that would, eventually, get us setup for planning trips to more remote locations such as Baja, and all the other places one reads about in the Magazines. >>> I know Chris Duff is involved with them (strictly as a hired hand I believe, as opposed to a partner in the business). I phoned him to query his involvement in the somewhat politically incorrect and commercially exploitive organization, when I saw Chris's name attached to the WKI. I don't know much about the technical skills they impart, but Wavelength Magazine's latest edition had an article by John Dowds (in the guise of an education article) about this company. Perhaps you saw it. I personally know folks who have run into his "classes" on the mid-coast of BC. They were asked to move away from "his" beach (even though no permits have been issued - yet) and the rich New York clientele types were drinking heavily, etc., etc. That's real educational, eh? Their advertising, in conjunction with Tofino Expedition Limited is very insensitive (IMHO) towards First Nation folks, and they have been working behind the scenes on a land grab for their use of prescribed beach sites via a License of Occupation of land for use as a kayak tour campsite. To me, licensing these sites for use by one and only one enterprise cuts against the core of what recreational kayaking is all about. As one person I know said, "Public land held in the name of the Crown should be kept free of encumbrances so that the general public, who actually own the land, are free to enjoy it and use it responsibly along with any tour operators. The wording on one of the web sites is a bit disturbing regarding old First Nation village sites. To me it smacks of insensitivity to First nations peoples. The Tofino Expeditions Ltd. Brochure statement is as follows: “We land at several seldom visited ancient Kwagul village sites where, at low tide, the beaches still yield up eloquently flaked stone tools and blue glass trade beads of a past era. This is a wilderness journey to a rarely visited area; a true adventure of remarkable encounters and unforgettable images.” It can be found at: <http://www.greatkayaking.com/tofino/Cape.html> I realize I've strayed a bit here, but these guys are all connected, and I'd really like to see paddlers hook up with only the most culturally, environmentally sensitive companies, whether for trips or training, rather than companies that market the outdoors for themselves where there is little or no interest in adjacent communities. Well you said: <<< Any input from you more seasoned types would be greatly appreciated. >>> That's mine. Doug Lloyd<<<<<<<<<< Pretty strong stuff Doug, I hoped it wasn't true. So I asked my friend John Dowd about my friend Doug Lloyd's allegations. Here is an edited (for family consumption) version of what John Dowd had to say: Hi Matt, The funny thing about that stuff with Doug is that it seemed to just come out of nowhere and for no obvious reason. ..... It is completely libelous. ....... Doug talks about someone meeting one of my classes on the coast and the students were all drunk. I haven't even run a class yet ........ Naturally I sent nobody away from any beach! I had never even heard discussion of anyone trying to tie up beaches .......... [on looking into it I have since learned] the land management folks had been considering charging commercial groups as a way to squeeze money from tour operators and solve the congestion problem in popular destinations. That apparently was dropped during the recent election, leaving operators who had started to comply with demands that they file applications looking like they had wanted it. It would unlikely be a consideration for WKI since it would be operating way beyond where most people paddle. What is your assessment of the damage? Who reads those bulletins? Is this guy worth going after? I can't believe the petty bilious nature of the stuff! ........ at the time he posted his tirade, WKI had run no courses on the West Coast so he must have his wires crossed............if the damage looks real, I'll go after the ****. Cheers, John Matt Broze http://www.marinerkayaks.com *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************Received on Fri Jun 15 2001 - 17:59:28 PDT
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